Methods for detecting a mycobacterium tuberculosis infection

ABSTRACT

Methods for detecting an infection with Mtb in a subject are disclosed. The methods include detecting the presence of CD8 +  T cells that specifically recognize an Mtb polypeptide. The methods include in vitro assays for detecting the presence of CD8 +  T cells in a biological sample, and in vivo assays that detect a delayed type hypersensitivity reaction. The methods also include detecting Mtb polypeptides and polynucleotides.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/510,869, filed on May 18, 2012, which is the §371 U.S. National Stage of International Application No. PCT/US2010/057503, filed Nov. 19, 2010, which was published in English under PCT Article 21(2), which in turn claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/263,206, filed Nov. 20, 2009. The prior applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

This invention was made with government support under Grant No. HSSN266200400081C awarded by the National Institutes of Health. The government has certain rights in the invention.

FIELD

This application relates to the field of immunology, more specifically to methods for detecting a Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection in a subject.

BACKGROUND

Mycobacterium is a genus of aerobic intracellular bacterial organisms that, upon infection of a host, survive within endosomal compartments of monocytes and macrophages. Human mycobacterial diseases include tuberculosis (caused by M. tuberculosis), leprosy (caused by M. leprae), Bairnsdale ulcers (caused by M. ulcerans), and various infections caused by M. marinum, M. kansasii, M. scrofulaceum, M. szulgai, M. xenopi, M. fortuitum, M. chelonae, M. haemophilum and M. intracellulare (see Wolinsky, E., Chapter 37 in Microbiology: Including Immunology and Molecular Genetics, 3rd Ed., Harper & Row, Philadelphia, 1980).

One third of the world's population harbors M. tuberculosis and is at risk for developing tuberculosis (TB). In immunocompromised patients, tuberculosis is increasing at a nearly logarithmic rate, and multidrug resistant strains are appearing. In addition, mycobacterial strains which were previously considered to be nonpathogenic strains (e.g., M. avium) have now become major killers of immunosuppressed AIDS patients. Moreover, current mycobacterial vaccines are either inadequate (such as the BCG vaccine for M. tuberculosis) or unavailable (such as for M. leprae) (Kaufmann, S., Microbiol. Sci. 4:324-328, 1987; U.S. Congress, Office of Technology Assessment, The Continuing Challenge of Tuberculosis, pp. 62-67, OTA-H-574, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C., 1993).

Inhibiting the spread of tuberculosis requires effective vaccination and accurate, early diagnosis of the disease. Currently, vaccination with live bacteria is the most efficient method for inducing protective immunity. The most common mycobacterium employed for this purpose is Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), an avirulent strain of Mycobacterium bovis. However, the safety and efficacy of BCG is a source of controversy and some countries, such as the United States, do not vaccinate the general public.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb)-specific CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells are critical for the effective control of Mtb infection. In the mouse model, passive transfer of CD4⁺ T cells to sublethally irradiated animals renders them less susceptible to Mtb infection (Orme, J. Immunol. 140:3589-3593, 1988). Mice in which the gene(s) for CD4 (CD4^(−/−)) or for MHC Class II molecules are disrupted, as well as wild-type mice depleted of CD4⁺ T cells, demonstrate increased susceptibility to Mtb infection (Flory et al., J. Leukoc. Biol. 51:225-229, 1992). In humans, human immunodeficiency virus-infected individuals are exquisitely susceptible to developing TB after exposure to Mtb, supporting an essential role for CD4⁺ T cells (Hirsch et al., J. Infect. Dis. 180:2069-2073, 1999). CD8⁺ T cells are also important for effective T cell immunity (see Lazarevic and Flynn, Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 166:1116-1121, 2002). In humans, Mtb-specific CD8⁺ T cells have been identified in Mtb-infected individuals and include CD8⁺ T cells that are both classically HLA-Ia restricted (see, for example, Lewinsohn et al., J. Immunol. 165:925-930, 2000) and nonclassically restricted by the HLA-Ib molecule HLA-E (Lewinsohn et al., J. Exp. Med. 187:1633-1640, 1998). However, there are no vaccines or therapeutic strategies that effectively induce an immune response, such as a CD8 response, to Mtb.

Diagnosis of tuberculosis is commonly achieved using a skin test, which involves intradermal exposure to tuberculin PPD (protein-purified derivative). Antigen-specific T cell responses result in measurable induration at the injection site by 48 to 72 hours after injection, which indicates exposure to Mycobacterial antigens. However, the sensitivity and specificity of this test are not ideal; individuals vaccinated with BCG cannot be distinguished from infected individuals. Furthermore, it is very difficult to diagnose TB in children because Mtb cannot be cultured from children in the majority of cases. In both children and adults, delays and missed diagnosis result in increased morbidity and mortality.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for improved diagnostic methods for detecting tuberculosis.

Methods for diagnosing an infection with Mtb are disclosed herein. The methods include detecting CD8⁺ T cells and/or CD4⁺ T cells that specifically bind an Mtb polypeptide of interest. The methods also include detecting a delayed type hypersensitivity reaction in a subject and/or include detecting specific Mtb polypeptides and polynucleotides. The disclosed assays can be used individually or in combination. The Mtb infection can be a latent or active infection.

In several embodiments, methods are provided for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a subject. These methods include contacting a biological sample from the subject comprising T cells, such as CD8⁺ T cells and/or CD4⁺ T cells, with one or more Mycobacterium polypeptides, or an antigen presenting cell (APC) presenting the one or more Mycobacterium polypeptides. The one or more Mycobacterium polypeptides include an amino acid sequence set forth as (a) one of the amino acid sequences set forth as SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9; SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17, or SEQ ID NO: 18, or (b) at least nine to twenty consecutive amino acids of at least one of the amino acid sequences set forth as SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17, or SEQ ID NO: 18, wherein the nine to twenty consecutive amino acids specifically bind major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I. It is determined whether the T cells specifically recognize the Mycobacterium polypeptide.

In additional embodiments, methods are provided for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a subject, wherein the methods include administering to the subject an effective amount of a Mycobacterium polypeptide into the skin, subcutaneously or intradermally. The Mycobacterium polypeptide includes an amino acid sequence set forth as (a) one of the amino acid sequences set forth as SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17, or SEQ ID NO: 18; or (b) at least nine to twenty consecutive amino acids of at least one of the amino acid sequences set forth as SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17, or SEQ ID NO: 18, wherein the nine to twenty consecutive amino acids specifically bind major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I. In some examples, the polypeptide includes a conservative variant of the polypeptide (for example, one or more conservative amino acid substitutions). The presence of T cells that specifically recognize the Mycobacterium polypeptide are detected in the subject.

In further embodiments, methods are disclosed for detecting a Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in a subject, wherein the methods include detecting the presence of a Mycobacterium polypeptide or a polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide in a sample from the subject. The Mycobacterium polypeptide includes an amino acid sequence set forth as one of the amino acid sequences set forth as SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17, or SEQ ID NO: 18.

Additionally, reagents for the detection of a Mycobacterium infection in a subject are described.

The foregoing and other features will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a pair of bar graphs showing percent positive samples in the ELISPOT assay for the indicated antigens in individuals with latent or active TB.

FIG. 1B is a pair of graphs showing spot forming units (SFU) for each antigen in the ELISPOT assay. The antigens are listed in Table 2.

FIG. 2A is a bar graph showing percent positive samples for five selected antigens by CD8 ELISPOT assay in individuals with latent or active TB.

FIG. 2B is a graph showing SFU/250,000 CD4/CD56 depleted PBMC by ELISPOT assay. For each antigen, “L” indicates individuals with latent TB infection and “A” indicates individuals with active TB infection.

FIG. 3 is a graph showing SFU for each antigen in the ELISPOT assay.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing SFU for peptides covering amino acids 137-151 of Rv3136.

SEQUENCE LISTING

The nucleic and amino acid sequences listed herein or in the accompanying sequence listing are shown using standard letter abbreviations for nucleotide bases, and one letter code for amino acids. Only one strand of each nucleic acid sequence is shown, but the complementary strand is understood as included by any reference to the displayed strand.

The Sequence Listing is submitted as an ASCII text file in the form of the file named 899-81443-14_Sequence_Listing.txt, which was created on Sep. 16, 2015, and is 78.3 KB, which is incorporated by reference herein.

SEQ ID NOs: 1-18 are the amino acid sequences of Mtb polypeptides.

SEQ ID NOs: 19-36 are the nucleic acid sequences of polynucleotides encoding the Mtb polypeptides.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Methods for detecting an infection with Mtb in a subject are disclosed herein. The methods include detecting the presence of T cells, such as, but not limited to, CD8⁺ T cells, that specifically recognize a Mtb polypeptide. The methods include in vitro assays for detecting the presence of CD8⁺ T cells in a biological sample, and in vivo assays that detect a delayed type hypersensitivity reaction. The methods can also include detecting Mtb polypeptides and polynucleotides. Reagents for the detection of an Mtb infection are also disclosed.

I. ABBREVIATIONS

APC: antigen presenting cell

BCG: Bacillus Calmette-Guerin

DC: dendritic cell

HLA: human leukocyte antigen

IFN-γ: interferon-γ

MHC: major histocompatibility complex

Mtb: Mycobacterium tuberculosis

TB: tuberculosis

II. TERMS

Unless otherwise noted, technical terms are used according to conventional usage. Definitions of common terms in molecular biology may be found in Benjamin Lewin, Genes V, published by Oxford University Press, 1994 (ISBN 0-19-854287-9); Kendrew et al. (eds.), The Encyclopedia of Molecular Biology, published by Blackwell Science Ltd., 1994 (ISBN 0-632-02182-9); and Robert A. Meyers (ed.), Molecular Biology and Biotechnology: a Comprehensive Desk Reference, published by VCH Publishers, Inc., 1995 (ISBN 1-56081-569-8).

In order to facilitate review of the various embodiments of this disclosure, the following explanations of specific terms are provided:

Amplification: Use of a technique that increases the number of copies of a nucleic acid molecule (e.g., a DNA or RNA molecule) in a specimen. An example of amplification is the polymerase chain reaction, in which a biological sample collected from a subject is contacted with a pair of oligonucleotide primers, under conditions that allow for the hybridization of the primers to a nucleic acid template in the sample. The primers are extended under suitable conditions, dissociated from the template, and then re-annealed, extended, and dissociated to amplify the number of copies of the nucleic acid. The product of amplification can be characterized by electrophoresis, restriction endonuclease cleavage patterns, oligonucleotide hybridization or ligation, and/or nucleic acid sequencing using standard techniques. Other examples of amplification include strand displacement amplification, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,744,311; transcription-free isothermal amplification, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,033,881; repair chain reaction amplification, as disclosed in WO 90/01069; ligase chain reaction amplification, as disclosed in EP-A-320 308; gap filling ligase chain reaction amplification, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,427,930; and NASBA™ RNA transcription-free amplification, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,025,134.

Animal: Living multi-cellular vertebrate organisms, a category that includes, for example, mammals and birds. The term mammal includes both human and non-human mammals. Similarly, the term “subject” includes both human and veterinary subjects.

Antibody: Immunoglobulin molecules and immunologically active portions of immunoglobulin molecules, i.e., molecules that contain an antigen binding site that specifically binds (immunoreacts with) an antigen, such as an Mtb polypeptide.

A naturally occurring antibody (e.g., IgG, IgM, IgD) includes four polypeptide chains, two heavy (H) chains and two light (L) chains interconnected by disulfide bonds. However, it has been shown that the antigen-binding function of an antibody can be performed by fragments of a naturally occurring antibody. Thus, these antigen-binding fragments are also intended to be designated by the term “antibody.” Specific, non-limiting examples of binding fragments encompassed within the term antibody include (i) a Fab fragment consisting of the V_(L), V_(H), C_(L) and C_(H1) domains; (ii) an F_(d) fragment consisting of the V_(H) and C_(H1) domains; (iii) an Fv fragment consisting of the V_(L) and V_(H) domains of a single arm of an antibody, (iv) a dAb fragment (Ward et al., Nature 341:544-546, 1989) which consists of a V_(H) domain; (v) an isolated complementarity determining region (CDR); and (vi) a F(ab′)₂ fragment, a bivalent fragment comprising two Fab fragments linked by a disulfide bridge at the hinge region.

Immunoglobulins and certain variants thereof are known and many have been prepared in recombinant cell culture (e.g., see U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,745,055 and 4,444,487; WO 88/03565; EP 256,654; EP 120,694; EP 125,023; Falkner et al., Nature 298:286, 1982; Morrison, J. Immunol. 123:793, 1979; Morrison et al., Ann. Rev. Immunol. 2:239, 1984).

Antigen: A compound, composition, or substance that can stimulate the production of antibodies or a T cell response in an animal, including compositions that are injected or absorbed into an animal. An antigen reacts with the products of specific humoral or cellular immunity, including those induced by heterologous immunogens. The term “antigen” includes all related antigenic epitopes. “Epitope” or “antigenic determinant” refers to a site on an antigen to which B and/or T cells respond. In one embodiment, T cells respond to the epitope, when the epitope is presented in conjunction with an MHC molecule. Epitopes can be formed both from contiguous amino acids or noncontiguous amino acids juxtaposed by tertiary folding of a protein. Epitopes formed from contiguous amino acids are typically retained on exposure to denaturing solvents whereas epitopes formed by tertiary folding are typically lost on treatment with denaturing solvents. An epitope typically includes at least 3, and more usually, at least 5, about 9, or about 8-10 amino acids in a unique spatial conformation. Methods of determining spatial conformation of epitopes include, for example, x-ray crystallography and 2-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance.

An antigen can be a tissue-specific antigen, or a disease-specific antigen. These terms are not exclusive, as a tissue-specific antigen can also be a disease-specific antigen. A tissue-specific antigen is expressed in a limited number of tissues, such as a single tissue. A tissue-specific antigen may be expressed by more than one tissue, such as, but not limited to, an antigen that is expressed in more than one reproductive tissue, such as in both prostate and uterine tissue. A disease-specific antigen is expressed coincidentally with a disease process. Specific non-limiting examples of a disease-specific antigen are an antigen whose expression correlates with, or is predictive of, tuberculosis. A disease-specific antigen can be an antigen recognized by T cells or B cells.

Antigen presenting cell (APC): A cell that can present an antigen to T cell, such that the T cells are activated. Dendritic cells (DCs) are the principle APCs involved in primary immune responses. Their major function is to obtain antigen in tissues, migrate to lymphoid organs and present the antigen in order to activate T cells.

When an appropriate maturational cue is received, DCs are signaled to undergo rapid morphological and physiological changes that facilitate the initiation and development of immune responses. Among these are the up-regulation of molecules involved in antigen presentation; production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-12, key to the generation of Th1 responses; and secretion of chemokines that help to drive differentiation, expansion, and migration of surrounding naive Th cells. Collectively, these up-regulated molecules facilitate the ability of DCs to coordinate the activation and effector function of other surrounding lymphocytes that ultimately provide protection for the host.

cDNA (complementary DNA): A piece of DNA lacking internal, non-coding segments (introns) and regulatory sequences that determine transcription. cDNA is synthesized in the laboratory by reverse transcription from messenger RNA extracted from cells.

CD4: Cluster of differentiation factor 4, a T cell surface protein that mediates interaction with the MHC Class II molecule. CD4 also serves as the primary receptor site for HIV on T cells during HIV infection. Cells that express CD4 are often helper T cells.

CD8: Cluster of differentiation factor 8, a T cell surface protein that mediates interaction with the MHC Class I molecule. Cells that express CD8 are often cytotoxic T cells. “CD8⁺ T cell mediated immunity” is an immune response implemented by presentation of antigens to CD8⁺ T cells.

Conservative variants: A substitution of an amino acid residue for another amino acid residue having similar biochemical properties. “Conservative” amino acid substitutions are those substitutions that do not substantially affect or decrease an activity or antigenicity of the Mycobacterium polypeptide. A peptide can include one or more amino acid substitutions, for example 1-10 conservative substitutions, 2-5 conservative substitutions, 4-9 conservative substitutions, such as 1, 2, 5 or 10 conservative substitutions. Specific, non-limiting examples of a conservative substitution include the following examples (Table 1).

TABLE 1 Exemplary conservative amino acid substitutions Original Amino Acid Conservative Substitutions Ala Ser Arg Lys Asn Gln, His Asp Glu Cys Ser Gln Asn Glu Asp His Asn; Gln Ile Leu, Val Leu Ile; Val Lys Arg; Gln; Glu Met Leu; Ile Phe Met; Leu; Tyr Ser Thr Thr Ser Trp Tyr Tyr Trp; Phe Val Ile; Leu

The term conservative variation also includes the use of a substituted amino acid in place of an unsubstituted parent amino acid, provided that antibodies raised to the substituted polypeptide also immunoreact with the unsubstituted polypeptide, or that an immune response can be generated against the substituted polypeptide that is similar to the immune response against the unsubstituted polypeptide, such as a Mycobacterium antigen. Thus, in one embodiment, non-conservative substitutions are those that reduce an activity or antigenicity.

Consists Essentially Of/Consists Of: With regard to a polypeptide, a polypeptide consists essentially of a specified amino acid sequence if it does not include any additional amino acid residues. However, the polypeptide can include additional non-peptide components, such as labels (for example, fluorescent, radioactive, or solid particle labels), sugars or lipids. A polypeptide that consists of a specified amino acid sequence does not include any additional amino acid residues, nor does it include additional non-peptide components, such as lipids, sugars or labels.

Contacting: The process of incubating one agent in the presence of another. Thus, when a cell is contacted with an agent, the cell is incubated with the agent for a sufficient period of time for the agent and the cell to interact.

Degenerate variant: A polynucleotide encoding an epitope of an Mtb polypeptide that includes a sequence that is degenerate as a result of the genetic code. There are 20 natural amino acids, most of which are specified by more than one codon. Therefore, all degenerate nucleotide sequences are included in this disclosure as long as the amino acid sequence of the Mtb polypeptide encoded by the nucleotide sequence is unchanged.

Dendritic cell (DC): Dendritic cells are the principle APCs involved in primary immune responses. DCs include plasmacytoid dendritic cells and myeloid dendritic cells. Their major function is to obtain antigen in tissues, migrate to lymphoid organs and present the antigen in order to activate T cells. Immature DCs originate in the bone marrow and reside in the periphery as immature cells.

Diagnostic: Identifying the presence or nature of a pathologic condition, such as, but not limited to, tuberculosis. Diagnostic methods differ in their sensitivity and specificity. The “sensitivity” of a diagnostic assay is the percentage of diseased individuals who test positive (percent of true positives). The “specificity” of a diagnostic assay is 1 minus the false positive rate, where the false positive rate is defined as the proportion of those without the disease who test positive. While a particular diagnostic method may not provide a definitive diagnosis of a condition, it suffices if the method provides a positive indication that aids in diagnosis. “Prognostic” means predicting the probability of development (for example, severity) of a pathologic condition, such as tuberculosis.

Displaying: The process of localizing a peptide:antigen complex, or a peptide, on the outer surface of a cell where the peptide:antigen complex or peptide is accessible to a second cell, molecules displayed by a second cell, or soluble factors. A peptide, or a peptide:antigen complex, is “displayed” by a cell when it is present on the outer surface of the cell and is accessible to a second cell, to molecules displayed by the second cell, or to soluble factors.

Epitope: An antigenic determinant. These are particular chemical groups or peptide sequences on a molecule that are antigenic, e.g., that elicit a specific immune response. An antibody specifically binds a particular antigenic epitope on a polypeptide, such a Mycobacterium polypeptide.

Expression Control Sequences: Nucleic acid sequences that regulate the expression of a heterologous nucleic acid sequence to which it is operatively linked. Expression control sequences are operatively linked to a nucleic acid sequence when the expression control sequences control and regulate the transcription and, as appropriate, translation of the nucleic acid sequence. Thus expression control sequences can include appropriate promoters, enhancers, transcription terminators, a start codon (e.g., ATG) in front of a protein-encoding gene, splicing signal for introns, maintenance of the correct reading frame of that gene to permit proper translation of mRNA, and stop codons. The term “control sequences” is intended to include, at a minimum, components whose presence can influence expression, and can also include additional components whose presence is advantageous, for example, leader sequences and fusion partner sequences. Expression control sequences can include a promoter.

A promoter is a minimal sequence sufficient to direct transcription. Also included are those promoter elements which are sufficient to render promoter-dependent gene expression controllable for cell-type specific, tissue-specific, or inducible by external signals or agents; such elements may be located in the 5′ or 3′ regions of the gene. Both constitutive and inducible promoters, are included (see e.g., Bitter et al., Meth. Enzymol. 153:516-544, 1987). For example, when cloning in bacterial systems, inducible promoters such as pL of bacteriophage lambda, plac, ptrp, ptac (ptrp-lac hybrid promoter) and the like may be used. In one embodiment, when cloning in mammalian cell systems, promoters derived from the genome of mammalian cells (e.g., metallothionein promoter) or from mammalian viruses (e.g., the retrovirus long terminal repeat; the adenovirus late promoter; the vaccinia virus 7.5K promoter) can be used. Promoters produced by recombinant DNA or synthetic techniques may also be used to provide for transcription of the nucleic acid sequences. In one embodiment, the promoter is a cytomegalovirus promoter.

Functionally Equivalent: Sequence alterations, such as in an epitope of an antigen, that yield the same results as described herein. Such sequence alterations can include, but are not limited to, conservative substitutions, deletions, mutations, frameshifts, and insertions.

Heterologous: Originating from separate genetic sources or species. A polypeptide that is heterologous to an Mtb polypeptide originates from a nucleic acid that does not encode the Mtb polypeptide or another Mtb polypeptide. In one specific, non-limiting example, a polypeptide comprising nine consecutive amino acids from an Mtb polypeptide, or at most 20 consecutive amino acids, from the Mtb polypeptide, and a heterologous amino acid sequence includes a β-galactosidase, a maltose binding protein, and albumin, hepatitis B surface antigen, or an immunoglobulin amino acid sequence. Generally, an antibody that specifically binds to a protein of interest will not specifically bind to a heterologous protein.

Host cells: Cells in which a vector can be propagated and its DNA expressed. The cell may be prokaryotic or eukaryotic. The cell can be mammalian, such as a human cell. The term also includes any progeny of the subject host cell. It is understood that all progeny may not be identical to the parental cell since there may be mutations that occur during replication. However, such progeny are included when the term “host cell” is used.

Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA): A genetic designation of the human major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Individual loci are designated by uppercase letters, as in HLA-E, and alleles are designated by numbers, as in HLA-A*0201. The three main MHC class I genes are called HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C. However, there are many genes that encode (32 microglobulin-associated cell surface molecules that are linked to the MHC class I genes. The expression of these genes is variable, both in the tissue distribution and the amount expressed on cells; these genes have been termed the MHC class IB genes.

Immune response: A response of a cell of the immune system, such as a B cell, natural killer cell, or a T cell, to a stimulus. In one embodiment, the response is specific for a particular antigen (an “antigen-specific response”). In one embodiment, an immune response is a T cell response, such as a Th1, Th2, or Th3 response. In another embodiment, an immune response is a response of a suppressor T cell.

Immunogenic composition: A composition comprising an effective amount of an immunogenic Mtb polypeptide or a nucleic acid encoding the immunogenic Mtb polypeptide that induces a measurable T response against Mtb, such as a CD8⁺ T cell response, or induces a measurable B cell response (such as production of antibodies that specifically bind an Mtb polypeptide). For in vitro use, the immunogenic composition can consist of the isolated nucleic acid, vector including the nucleic acid/or immunogenic peptide. For in vivo use, the immunogenic composition will typically comprise the nucleic acid, vector including the nucleic acid, and/or immunogenic polypeptide in pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and/or other agents. An immunogenic composition can optionally include an adjuvant, a costimulatory molecule, or a nucleic acid encoding a costimulatory molecule. An Mtb polypeptide, or nucleic acid encoding the polypeptide, can be readily tested for its ability to induce a CD8⁺ T cell response.

Immunogenic peptide: A peptide which comprises an allele-specific motif or other sequence such that the peptide will bind an MHC molecule and induce a T cell response, such as a CD8⁺ or CD4⁺ T cell response, or a B cell response (such as antibody production) against the antigen from which the immunogenic peptide is derived.

In one embodiment, immunogenic peptides are identified using sequence motifs or other methods, such as neural net or polynomial determinations, known in the art. Typically, algorithms are used to determine the “binding threshold” of peptides to select those with scores that give them a high probability of binding at a certain affinity and will be immunogenic. The algorithms are based either on the effects on MHC binding of a particular amino acid at a particular position, the effects on antibody binding of a particular amino acid at a particular position, or the effects on binding of a particular substitution in a motif-containing peptide. Within the context of an immunogenic peptide, a “conserved residue” is one which appears in a significantly higher frequency than would be expected by random distribution at a particular position in a peptide. In one embodiment, a conserved residue is one where the MHC structure may provide a contact point with the immunogenic peptide.

Immunogenic peptides can also be identified by measuring their binding to a specific MHC protein and by their ability to stimulate CD4 and/or CD8 when presented in the context of the MHC protein. In one example, an immunogenic “Mtb peptide” is a series of contiguous amino acid residues from the Mtb protein generally between 9 and 20 amino acids in length, such as about 8 to 11 residues in length.

Generally, immunogenic Mtb polypeptides can be used to induce an immune response in a subject, such as a B cell response or a T cell response. In one example, an immunogenic Mtb polypeptide, when bound to a MHC Class I molecule, activates CD8⁺ T cells, such as cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) against Mtb. Induction of CTLs using synthetic peptides and CTL cytotoxicity assays are known in the art (see U.S. Pat. No. 5,662,907, which is incorporated herein by reference). In one example, an immunogenic peptide includes an allele-specific motif or other sequence such that the peptide will bind an MHC molecule and induce a CD8⁺ response against the antigen from which the immunogenic peptide is derived. A CD8⁺ T cell that specifically recognizes an Mtb polypeptide is activated, proliferates, and/or secretes cytokines in response to that specific polypeptide, and not to other, non-related polypeptides.

Interferon gamma (IFN-γ): IFN-γ is a dimeric protein with subunits of 146 amino acids. The protein is glycosylated at two sites, and the pI is 8.3-8.5. IFN-γ is synthesized as a precursor protein of 166 amino acids including a secretory signal sequence of 23 amino acids. Two molecular forms of the biologically active protein of 20 and 25 kDa have been described. Both of them are glycosylated at position 25. The 25 kDa form is also glycosylated at position 97. The observed differences of natural IFN-γ with respect to molecular mass and charge are due to variable glycosylation patterns. 40-60 kDa forms observed under non-denaturing conditions are dimers and tetramers of IFN-γ. The human gene has a length of approximately 6 kb. It contains four exons and maps to chromosome 12q24.1.

IFN-γ can be detected by sensitive immunoassays, such as an ELSA test that allows detection of individual cells producing IFN-γ. Minute amounts of IFN-γ can be detected indirectly by measuring IFN-induced proteins such as Mx protein. The induction of the synthesis of IP-10 has also been used to measure IFN-γ concentrations. In addition, bioassays can be used to detect IFN-γ, such as an assay that employs induction of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase activity in 2D9 cells. The production of IFN-γ can be used to assess T cell activation, such as activation of a T cell by a Mycobacterium antigen.

Isolated: An “isolated” biological component (such as a nucleic acid molecule, protein, or organelle) has been substantially separated or purified away from other biological components in the cell of the organism in which the component naturally occurs, such as other chromosomal and extra-chromosomal DNA and RNA, proteins, and organelles. Nucleic acids and proteins that have been “isolated” include nucleic acids and proteins purified by standard purification methods. The term also embraces nucleic acids and proteins prepared by recombinant expression in a host cell, as well as chemically synthesized nucleic acids or proteins, or fragments thereof.

Label: A detectable compound or composition that is conjugated directly or indirectly to another molecule to facilitate detection of that molecule. Specific, non-limiting examples of labels include fluorescent tags, enzymatic linkages, and radioactive isotopes.

Linker sequence: A linker sequence is an amino acid sequence that covalently links two polypeptide domains. Linker sequences can be included in the between the Mtb epitopes disclosed herein to provide rotational freedom to the linked polypeptide domains and thereby to promote proper domain folding and presentation to the MHC. By way of example, in a recombinant polypeptide comprising two Mtb domains, linker sequences can be provided between them, such as a polypeptide comprising Mtb polypeptide-linker-Mtb polypeptide. Linker sequences, which are generally between 2 and 25 amino acids in length, are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to, the glycine(4)-serine spacer (GGGGS ×3) described by Chaudhary et al., Nature 339:394-397, 1989.

Lymphocytes: A type of white blood cell that is involved in the immune defenses of the body. There are two main types of lymphocytes: B cells and T cells.

Mycobacteria: A genus of aerobic intracellular bacterial organisms. Upon invasion of a host, these organisms survive within endosomal compartments of monocytes and macrophages. Human mycobacterial diseases include tuberculosis (cause by M. tuberculosis), Leprosy (caused by M. leprae), Bairnsdale ulcers (caused by M. ulcerans), and other infections that can be caused by M. marinum, M kansasii, M. scrofulaceum, M. szulgai, M. xenopi, M. fortuitum, M. haemophilum, M. chelonei, and M. intracelluare. Mycobacterium strains that were previously considered to be nonpathogenic (such as M. avium) are also now known to be major killers of immunosuppressed AIDS patients.

The major response to mycobacteria involves cell mediated hypersensitivity (DTH) reactions with T cells and macrophages playing major roles in the intracellular killing and walling off (or containing) of the organism (granuloma formation). A major T cell response involves CD4⁺ lymphocytes that recognize mycobacterial heat shock proteins and immunodominant antigens.

Operably linked: A first nucleic acid sequence is operably linked with a second nucleic acid sequence when the first nucleic acid sequence is placed in a functional relationship with the second nucleic acid sequence. For instance, a promoter is operably linked to a coding sequence if the promoter affects the transcription or expression of the coding sequence. Generally, operably linked DNA sequences are contiguous and, where necessary to join two protein coding regions, the open reading frames are aligned.

ORF (open reading frame): A series of nucleotide triplets (codons) coding for amino acids without any termination codons. These sequences are usually translatable into a polypeptide.

Peptide Modifications: Mycobacterium polypeptides include synthetic embodiments of peptides described herein. In addition, analogues (non-peptide organic molecules), derivatives (chemically functionalized peptide molecules obtained starting with the disclosed peptide sequences) and variants (homologs) of these proteins can be utilized in the methods described herein. Each polypeptide of the invention is comprised of a sequence of amino acids, which may be either L- and/or D-amino acids, naturally occurring and otherwise.

Peptides may be modified by a variety of chemical techniques to produce derivatives having essentially the same activity as the unmodified peptides, and optionally having other desirable properties. For example, carboxylic acid groups of the protein, whether carboxyl-terminal or side chain, may be provided in the form of a salt of a pharmaceutically-acceptable cation or esterified to form a C₁-C₁₆ ester, or converted to an amide of formula NR₁R₂ wherein R₁ and R₂ are each independently H or C₁-C₁₆ alkyl, or combined to form a heterocyclic ring, such as a 5- or 6-membered ring Amino groups of the peptide, whether amino-terminal or side chain, may be in the form of a pharmaceutically-acceptable acid addition salt, such as the HCl, HBr, acetic, benzoic, toluene sulfonic, maleic, tartaric and other organic salts, or may be modified to C₁-C₁₆ alkyl or dialkyl amino or further converted to an amide.

Hydroxyl groups of the peptide side chains may be converted to C₁-C₁₆ alkoxy or to a C₁-C₁₆ ester using well-recognized techniques. Phenyl and phenolic rings of the peptide side chains may be substituted with one or more halogen atoms, such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine, or with C₁-C₁₆ alkyl, C₁-C₁₆ alkoxy, carboxylic acids and esters thereof, or amides of such carboxylic acids. Methylene groups of the peptide side chains can be extended to homologous C₂-C₄ alkylenes. Thiols can be protected with any one of a number of well-recognized protecting groups, such as acetamide groups. Those skilled in the art will also recognize methods for introducing cyclic structures into the peptides of this invention to select and provide conformational constraints to the structure that result in enhanced stability.

Peptidomimetic and organomimetic embodiments are envisioned, whereby the three-dimensional arrangement of the chemical constituents of such peptido- and organomimetics mimic the three-dimensional arrangement of the peptide backbone and component amino acid side chains, resulting in such peptido- and organomimetics of a Mycobacterium polypeptide having measurable or enhanced ability to generate an immune response. For computer modeling applications, a pharmacophore is an idealized, three-dimensional definition of the structural requirements for biological activity. Peptido- and organomimetics can be designed to fit each pharmacophore with current computer modeling software (using computer assisted drug design or CADD). See Walters, “Computer-Assisted Modeling of Drugs,” in Klegerman & Groves, eds., 1993, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Interpharm Press, Buffalo Grove, Ill., pp. 165-174 and Principles of Pharmacology Munson (ed.) 1995, Ch. 102, for descriptions of techniques used in CADD. Also included are mimetics prepared using such techniques.

Polynucleotide: A linear nucleotide sequence, including sequences of greater than 100 nucleotide bases in length.

Polypeptide: Any chain of amino acids, regardless of length or post-translational modification (e.g., glycosylation or phosphorylation). A “peptide” is a chain of amino acids that is less than 100 amino acids in length. In one embodiment, a “peptide” is a portion of a polypeptide, such as about 8-11, 9-12, or about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, or 100 contiguous amino acids of a polypeptide that is greater than 100 amino acids in length.

Probes and primers: Nucleic acid probes and primers may readily be prepared based on the nucleic acids provided by this invention. A probe comprises an isolated nucleic acid attached to a detectable label or reporter molecule. Typical labels include radioactive isotopes, ligands, chemiluminescent agents, and enzymes. Methods for labeling and guidance in the choice of labels appropriate for various purposes are discussed, e.g., in Sambrook et al. (1989) and Ausubel et al. (1987).

Primers are short nucleic acids, preferably DNA oligonucleotides 15 nucleotides or more in length. Primers may be annealed to a complementary target DNA strand by nucleic acid hybridization to form a hybrid between the primer and the target DNA strand, and then extended along the target DNA strand by a DNA polymerase enzyme. Primer pairs can be used for amplification of a nucleic acid sequence, e.g., by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or other nucleic-acid amplification methods known in the art.

Methods for preparing and using probes and primers are described, for example, in Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 2nd ed., vol. 1-3, ed. Sambrook et al., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N. Y., 1989, and Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, ed. Ausubel et al., Greene Publishing and Wiley-Interscience, New York, 1987 (with periodic updates). PCR primer pairs can be derived from a known sequence, for example, by using computer programs intended for that purpose such as Primer3 (Version 0.4.0, Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Mass.).

Promoter: A promoter is an array of nucleic acid control sequences which direct transcription of a nucleic acid. A promoter includes necessary nucleic acid sequences near the start site of transcription, such as, in the case of a polymerase II type promoter, a TATA element. A promoter also optionally includes distal enhancer or repressor elements which can be located as much as several thousand base pairs from the start site of transcription. The promoter can be a constitutive or an inducible promoter. A specific, non-limiting example of a promoter is the HCMV IE promoter.

Purified: The term purified does not require absolute purity; rather, it is intended as a relative term. Thus, for example, a purified antigen preparation is one in which the antigen is more pure than the protein in its originating environment within a cell. A preparation of an antigen is typically purified such that the antigen represents at least 50% of the total protein content of the preparation. However, more highly purified preparations may be required for certain applications. For example, for such applications, preparations in which the antigen comprises at least 75% or at least 90% of the total protein content may be employed.

Recombinant: A recombinant nucleic acid or polypeptide is one that has a sequence that is not naturally occurring or has a sequence that is made by an artificial combination of two or more otherwise separated segments of sequence. This artificial combination is often accomplished by chemical synthesis or, more commonly, by the artificial manipulation of isolated segments of nucleic acids, e.g., by genetic engineering techniques.

Sequence identity: The similarity between amino acid sequences is expressed in terms of the similarity between the sequences, otherwise referred to as sequence identity. Sequence identity is frequently measured in terms of percentage identity (or similarity or homology); the higher the percentage, the more similar the two sequences are. Variants of antigen polypeptides will possess a relatively high degree of sequence identity when aligned using standard methods.

Methods of alignment of sequences for comparison are well known in the art. Altschul et al. (1994) presents a detailed consideration of sequence alignment methods and homology calculations. The NCBI Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) (Altschul et al., 1990) is available from several sources, including the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI, Bethesda, Md.) and on the Internet, for use in connection with the sequence analysis programs blastp, blastn, blastx, tblastn and tblastx. It can be accessed at the NCBI website. A description of how to determine sequence identity using this program is available at the NCBI website, as are the default parameters.

Variants of antigenic polypeptides, such as a Mycobacterium polypeptide, are typically characterized by possession of at least 50% sequence identity counted over the full length alignment with the amino acid sequence of a native antigen sequence using the NCBI Blast 2.0, gapped blastp set to default parameters. Proteins with even greater similarity to the reference sequences will show increasing percentage identities when assessed by this method, such as at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 90% or at least 95% sequence identity. When less than the entire sequence is being compared for sequence identity, variants will typically possess at least 75% sequence identity over short windows of 10-20 amino acids, and may possess sequence identities of at least 85% or at least 90% or 95% depending on their similarity to the reference sequence. Methods for determining sequence identity over such short windows are described at the NCBI website.

Transduced and Transformed: A virus or vector “transduces” a cell when it transfers nucleic acid into the cell. A cell is “transformed” by a nucleic acid transduced into the cell when the DNA becomes stably replicated by the cell, either by incorporation of the nucleic acid into the cellular genome, or by episomal replication. As used herein, the term transformation encompasses all techniques by which a nucleic acid molecule might be introduced into such a cell, including transfection with viral vectors, transformation with plasmid vectors, and introduction of naked DNA by electroporation, lipofection, and particle gun acceleration.

Tuberculosis (TB): A disease that is generally caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that usually infects the lungs. However, other “atypical” mycobacteria such as M. kansasii may produce a similar clinical and pathologic appearance of disease.

Transmission of M. tuberculosis occurs by the airborne route in confined areas with poor ventilation. In more than 90% of cases, following infection with M. tuberculosis, the immune system prevents development of disease from M. tuberculosis, often called, active tuberculosis. However, not all of the M. tuberculosis is killed, and thus tiny, hard capsules are formed. “Primary tuberculosis” is seen as disease that develops following an initial infection, usually in children. The initial focus of infection is a small subpleural granuloma accompanied by granulomatous hilar lymph node infection. Together, these make up the Ghon complex. In nearly all cases, these granulomas resolve and there is no further spread of the infection. “Secondary tuberculosis” is seen mostly in adults as a reactivation of previous infection (or reinfection), particularly when health status declines. The granulomatous inflammation is much more florid and widespread. Typically, the upper lung lobes are most affected, and cavitation can occur. Dissemination of tuberculosis outside of the lungs can lead to the appearance of a number of uncommon findings with characteristic patterns that include skeletal tuberculosis, genital tract tuberculosis, urinary tract tuberculosis, central nervous system (CNS) tuberculosis, gastrointestinal tuberculosis, adrenal tuberculosis, scrofula, and cardiac tuberculosis. “Latent” tuberculosis is an Mtb infection in an individual that can be detected by a diagnostic assay, such as, but not limited to a tuberculin skin test (TST) wherein the infection does not produce symptoms in that individual. “Active” tuberculosis is a symptomatic Mtb infection in a subject.

Microscopically, the inflammation produced with TB infection is granulomatous, with epithelioid macrophages and Langhans giant cells along with lymphocytes, plasma cells, maybe a few polymorphonuclear cells, fibroblasts with collagen, and characteristic caseous necrosis in the center. The inflammatory response is mediated by a type IV hypersensitivity reaction, and skin testing is based on this reaction. In some examples, tuberculosis can be diagnosed by a skin test, an acid fast stain, an auramine stain, or a combination thereof. The most common specimen screened is sputum, but the histologic stains can also be performed on tissues or other body fluids.

TB is a frequent complication of HIV infection. TB infection in subjects infected with a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can spread readily and progress rapidly to active disease. Specific symptoms of lung disease due to Mtb infection include chronic cough and spitting blood. Other symptoms of TB disease include fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, fever and drenching night sweats.

Vector: A nucleic acid molecule as introduced into a host cell, thereby producing a transformed host cell. A vector may include nucleic acid sequences that permit it to replicate in a host cell, such as an origin of replication. A vector may also include one or more selectable marker gene and other genetic elements known in the art. Vectors include plasmid vectors, including plasmids for expression in gram negative and gram positive bacterial cell. Exemplary vectors include those for expression in E. coli and Salmonella. Vectors also include viral vectors, such as, but not limited to, retrovirus, orthopox, avipox, fowlpox, capripox, suipox, adenovirus, herpes virus, alpha virus, baculovirus, Sindbis virus, vaccinia virus, and poliovirus vectors. Vectors also include vectors for expression in yeast cells

Unless otherwise explained, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The singular terms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the word “or” is intended to include “and” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It is further to be understood that all base sizes or amino acid sizes, and all molecular weight or molecular mass values, given for nucleic acids or polypeptides are approximate, and are provided for description. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of this disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described below. The term “comprises” means “includes.” All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the present specification, including explanations of terms, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

III. MYCOBACTERIUM POLYPEPTIDES

It is disclosed herein that several Mycobacterium polypeptides can be used in diagnostic assays to identify subjects infected with a Mycobacterium such as Mtb. In several embodiments, the polypeptide comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence set forth as:

VPHPWDTGDHERNWQGYFIPAMSVLRNRVGARTHAELRDAENDLVEARVI ELREDPNLLGDRTDLAYLRAIHRQLFQDIYVWAGDLRTVGIEKEDESFCA PGGISRPMEHVAAEIYQLDRLRAVGEGDLAGQVAYRYDYVNYAHPFREGN GRSTREFFDLLLSERGSGLDWGKTDLEELHGACHVARANSDLTGLVAMFK GILDAEPTYDF  (SEQ ID NO: 1; see also TUBERCULIST No. Rv3641c, as available on Jun. 8, 2009, incorporated herein by reference, known as fic). MDFALLPPEVNSARMYTGPGAGSLLAAAGGWDSLAAELATTAEAYGSVLS GLAALHWRGPAAESMAVTAAPYIGWLYTTAEKTQQTAIQARAAALAFEQA YAMTLPPPVVAANRIQLLALIATNFFGQNTAAIAATEAQYAEMWAQDAAA MYGYATASAAAALLTPFSPPRQTTNPAGLTAQAAAVSQATDPLSLLIETV TQALQALTIPSFIPEDFTFLDAIFAGYATVGVTQDVESFVAGTIGAESNL GLLNVGDENPAEVTPGDFGIGELVSATSPGGGVSASGAGGAASVGNTVLA SVGRANSIGQLSVPPSWAAPSTRPVSALSPAGLTTLPGTDVAEHGMPGVP GVPVAAGRASGVLPRYGVRLTVMAHPPAAG  (SEQ ID NO: 2; see also TUBERCULIST No. Rv3136, as available on Jun. 8, 2009, incorporated herein by reference, known as PPE51 or PPE). MTEPRPVFAVVISAGLSAIPMVGGPLQTVFDAIEERTRHRAETTTREICE SVGGADTVLSRIDKNPELEPLLSQAIEAATRTSMEAKRRLLAQAAAAALE DDQKVEPASLIVATLSQLEPVHIHALVRLAKAAKSSPDQDEIQRREVMRA ASKVEPVPVLAALIQTGVAIATTTVWHGNGTGTPAEESGHILIHDVSDFG HRLLAYLRAADAGAELLILPSGGSAPTGDHPTPHPSTSR (SEQ ID NO: 3; see also TUBERCULIST No. Rv0394c, as  available on Jun. 8, 2009, incorporated herein by reference). MADFLTLSPEVNSARMYAGGGPGSLSAAAAAWDELAAELWLAAASFESVC SGLADRWWQGPSSRMMAAQAARHTGWLAAAATQAEGAASQAQTMALAYEA AFAATVHPALVAANRALVAWLAGSNVFGQNTPAIAAAEAIYEQMWAQDVV AMLNYHAVASAVGARLRPWQQLLHELPRRLGGEHSDSTNTELANPSSTTT RITVPGASPVHAATLLPFIGRLLAARYAELNTAIGTNWFPGTTPEVVSYP ATIGVLSGSLGAVDANQSIAIGQQMLHNEILAATASGQPVTVAGLSMGSM VIDRELAYLAIDPNAPPSSALTFVELAGPERGLAQTYLPVGTTIPIAGYT VGNAPESQYNTSVVYSQYDIWADPPDRPWNLLAGANALMGAAYFHDLTAY AAPQQGIEIAAVTSSLGGTTTTYMIPSPTLPLLLPLKQIGVPDWIVGGLN NVLKPLVDAGYSQYAPTAGPYFSHGNLVW  (SEQ ID NO: 4; see also TUBERCULIST No. Rv3539, as  available onJun. 8, 2009, incorporated herein by reference, known as PPE63 or PPE). MTLDVPVNQGHVPPGSVACCLVGVTAVADGIAGHSLSNFGALPPEINSGR MYSGPGSGPLMAAAAAWDGLAAELSSAATGYGAAISELTNMRWWSGPASD SMVAAVLPFVGWLSTTATLAEQAAMQARAAAAAFEAAFAMTVPPPAIAAN RTLLMTLVDTNWFGQNTPAIATTESQYAEMWAQDAAAMYGYASAAAPATV LTPFAPPPQTTNATGLVGHATAVAALRGQHSWAAAIPWSDIQKYWMMFLG ALATAEGFIYDSGGLTLNALQFVGGMLWSTALAEAGAAEAAAGAGGAAGW SAWSQLGAGPVAASATLAAKIGPMSVPPGWSAPPATPQAQTVARSIPGIR SAAEAAETSVLLRGAPTPGRSRAAHMGRRYGRRLTVMADRPNVG (SEQ ID NO: 5; see also TUBERCULIST No. Rv1706c, as  available on Jun. 8, 2009, incorporated herein by reference, known as PPE23 or PPE). MDFGALPPEINSARMYAGAGAGPMMAAGAAWNGLAAELGTTAASYESVIT RLTTESWMGPASMAMVAAAQPYLAWLTYTAEAAAHAGSQAMASAAAYEAA YAMTVPPEVVAANRALLAALVATNVLGINTPAIMATEALYAEMWAQDALA MYGYAAASGAAGMLQPLSPPSQTTNPGGLAAQSAAVGSAAATAAVNQVSV ADLISSLPNAVSGLASPVTSVLDSTGLSGIIADIDALLATPFVANIINSA VNTAAWYVNAAIPTAIFLANALNSGAPVAIAEGAIEAAEGAASAAAAGLA DSVTPAGLGASLGEATLVGRLSVPAAWSTAAPATTAGATALEGSGWTVAA EEAGPVTGMMPGMASAAKGTGAYAGPRYGFKPTVMPKQVVV  (SEQ ID NO: 6; see also TUBERCULIST No. Rv1039c, as available on Jun. 8, 2009, incorporated herein by reference, known as PPE15 or PPE). MAHFSVLPPEINSLRMYLGAGSAPMLQAAAAWDGLAAELGTAASSFSSVT TGLTGQAWQGPASAAMAAAAAPYAGFLTTASAQAQLAAGQAKAVASVFEA AKAAIVPPAAVAANREAFLALIRSNWLGLNAPWIAAVESLYEEYWAADVA AMTGYHAGASQAAAQLPLPAGLQQFLNTLPNLGIGNQGNANLGGGNTGSG NIGNGNKGSSNLGGGNIGNNNIGSGNRGSDNFGAGNVGTGNIGFGNQGPI DVNLLATPGQNNVGLGNIGNNNMGFGNTGDANTGGGNTGNGNIGGGNTGN NNFGFGNTGNNNIGIGLTGNNQMGINLAGLLNSGSGNIGIGNSGTNNIGL FNSGSGNIGVFNTGANTLVPGDLNNLGVGNSGNANIGFGNAGVLNTGFGN ASILNTGLGNAGELNTGFGNAGFVNTGFDNSGNVNTGNGNSGNINTGSWN AGNVNTGFGIITDSGLTNSGFGNTGTDVSGFFNTPTGPLAVDVSGFFNTA SGGTVINGQTSGIGNIGVPGTLFGSVRSGLNTGLFNMGTAISGLFNLRQL LG (SEQ ID NO: 7; see also TUBERCULIST No. Rv3558, as available on Jun. 8, 2009, incorporated herein by reference, known as PPE64 or PPE). MEYLIAAQDVLVAAAADLEGIGSALAAANRAAEAPTTGLLAAGADEVSAA IASLFSGNAQAYQALSAQAAAFHQQFVRALSSAAGSYAAAEAANASPMQA VLDVVNGPTQLLLGRPLIGDGANGGPGQNGGDGGLLYGNGGNGGSSSTPG QPGGRGGAAGLIGNGGAGGAGGPGANGGAGGNGGWLYGNGGLGGNGGAAT QIGGNGGNGGHGGNAGLWGNGGAGGAGAAGAAGANGQNPVSHQVTHATDG ADGTTGPDGNGTDAGSGSNAVNPGVGGGAGGIGGDGTNLGQTDVSGGAGG DGGDGANFASGGAGGNGGAAQSGFGDAVGGNGGAGGNGGAGGGGGLGGAG GSANVANAGNSIGGNGGAGGNGGIGAPGGAGGAGGNANQDNPPGGNSTGG NGGAGGDGGVGASADVGGAGGFGGSGGRGGLLLGTGGAGGDGGVGGDGGI GAQGGSGGNGGNGGIGADGMANQDGDGGDGGNGGDGGAGGAGGVGGNGGT GGAGGLFGQSGSPGSGAAGGLGGAGGNGGAGGGGGTGFNPGAPGDPGTQG ATGANGQHGLN  (SEQ ID NO: 8; see also TUBERCULIST No. Rv1243c, as available on Oct. 6, 2009; incorporated herein by reference, known as PE_PGRS23). MVMSLMVAPELVAAAAADLTGIGQAISAANAAAAGPTTQVLAAAGDEVSA AIAALFGTHAQEYQALSARVATFHEQFVRSLTAAGSAYATAEAANASPLQ ALEQQVLGAINAPTQLWLGRPLIGDGVHGAPGTGQPGGAGGLLWGNGGNG GSGAAGQVGGPGGAAGLFGNGGSGGSGGAGAAGGVGGSGGWLNGNGGAGG AGGTGANGGAGGNAWLFGAGGSGGAGTNGGVGGSGGFVYGNGGAGGIGGI GGIGGNGGDAGLFGNGGAGGAGAAGLPGAAGLNGGDGSDGGNGGTGGNGG RGGLLVGNGGAGGAGGVGGDGGKGGAGDPSFAVNNGAGGNGGHGGNPGVG GAGGAGGLLAGAHGAAGATPTSGGNGGDGGIGATANSPLQAGGAGGNGGH GGLVGNGGTGGAGGAGHAGSTGATGTALQPTGGNGTNGGAGGHGGNGGNG GAQHGDGGVGGKGGAGGSGGAGGNGFDAATLGSPGADGGMGGNGGKGGDG GKAGDGGAGAAGDVTLAVNQGAGGDGGNGGEVGVGGKGGAGGVSANPALN GSAGANGTAPTSGGNGGNGGAGATPTVAGENGGAGGNGGHGGSVGNGGAG GAGGNGVAGTGLALNGGNGGNGGIGGNGGSAAGTGGDGGKGGNGGAGANG QDFSASANGANGGQGGNGGNGGIGGKGGDAFATFAKAGNGGAGGNGGNVG VAGQGGAGGKGAIPAMKGATGADGTAPTSGGDGGNGGNGASPTVAGGNGG DGGKGGSGGNVGNGGNGGAGGNGAAGQAGTPGPTSGDSGTSGTDGGAGGN GGAGGAGGTLAGHGGNGGKGGNGGQGGIGGAGERGADGAGPNANGANGEN GGSGGNGGDGGAGGNGGAGGKAQAAGYTDGATGTGGDGGNGGDGGKAGDG GAGENGLNSGAMLPGGGTVGNPGTGGNGGNGGNAGVGGTGGKAGTGSLTG LDGTDGITPNGGNGGNGGNGGKGGTAGNGSGAAGGNGGNGGSGLNGGDAG NGGNGGGALNQAGFFGTGGKGGNGGNGGAGMINGGLGGFGGAGGGGAVDV AATTGGAGGNGGAGGFASTGLGGPGGAGGPGGAGDFASGVGGVGGAGGDG GAGGVGGFGGQGGIGGEGRTGGNGGSGGDGGGGISLGGNGGLGGNGGVSE TGFGGAGGNGGYGGPGGPEGNGGLGGNGGAGGNGGVSTTGGDGGAGGKGG NGGDGGNVGLGGDAGSGGAGGNGGIGTDAGGAGGAGGAGGNGGSSKSTTT GNAGSGGAGGNGGTGLNGAGGAGGAGGNAGVAGVSFGNAVGGDGGNGGNG GHGGDGTTGGAGGKGGNGSSGAASGSGVVNVTAGHGGNGGNGGNGGNGSA GAGGQGGAGGSAGNGGHGGGATGGDGGNGGNGGNSGNSTGVAGLAGGAAG AGGNGGGTSSAAGHGGSGGSGGSGTTGGAGAAGGNGGAGAGGGSLSTGQS GGPRRQRWCRWQRRRWLGRQRRRRWCRWQRRCRRQRWRWRCRQRRLRRQW RQGRRRCRPWLHRRRGRQGRRWRQRRFQQRQRSRWQRR  (SEQ ID NO: 9; see also TUBERCULIST No. Rv3345c, as available on Oct. 6, 2009; incorporated herein by reference, known as PE_PGRS50). VIQTCEVELRWRASQLTLAIATCAGVALAAAVVAGRWQLIAFAAPLLGVL CSISWQRPVPVIQVHGDPDSQRCFENEHVRVTVWVTTESVDAAVELTVSA LAGMQFEALESVSRRTTTVSAVAQRWGRYPIRARVAVVARGGLLMGAGTV DAAEIVVFPLTPPQSTPLPQTELLDRLGAHLTRHVGPGVEYADIRPYVPG DQLRAVNWVVSARRGRLHVTRRLTDRAADVVVLIDMYRQPAGPATEATER VVRGAAQVVQTALRNGDRAGIVALGGNRPRWLGADIGQRQFYRVLDTVLG AGEGFENTTGTLAPRAAVPAGAVVIAFSTLLDTEFALALIDLRKRGHVVV AVDVLDSCPLQDQLDPLVVRMWALQRSAMYRDMATIGVDVLSWPADHSLQ QSMGALPNRRRRGRGRASRARLP  (SEQ ID NO: 10; see also TUBERCULIST No. Rv3163c, as available on Oct. 6, 2009; incorporated herein by reference). VNRRILTLMVALVPIVVFGVLLAVVTVPFVALGPGPTFDTLGEIDGKQVV QIVGTQTYPTSGHLNMTTVSQRDGLTLGEALALWLSGQEQLMPRDLVYPP GKSREEIENDNAADFKRSEAAAEYAALGYLKYPKAVTVASVMDPGPSVDK LQAGDAIDAVDGTPVGNLDQFTALLKNTKPGQEVTIDFRRKNEPPGIAQI TLGKNKDRDQGVLGIEVVDAPWAPFAVDFHLANVGGPSAGLMFSLAVVDK LTSGHLVGSTFVAGTGTIAVDGKVGQIGGITHKMAAARAAGATVFLVPAK NCYEASSDSPPGLKLVKVETLSQAVDALHAMTSGSPTPSC  (SEQ ID NO: 11; see also TUBERCULIST No. Rv3194c, as available on Oct. 6, 2009; incorporated herein by reference). MSFVVTAPPVLASAASDLGGIASMISEANAMAAVRTTALAPAAADEVSAA IAALFSSYARDYQTLSVQVTAFHVQFAQTLTNAGQLYAVVDVGNGVLLKT EQQVLGVINAPTQTLVGRPLIGDGTHGAPGTGQNGGAGGILWGNGGNGGS GAPGQPGGRGGDAGLFGHGGHGGVGGPGIAGAAGTAGLPGGNGANGGSGG IGGAGGAGGNGGLLFGNGGAGGQGGSGGLGGSGGTGGAGMAAGPAGGTGG IGGIGGIGGAGGVGGHGSALFGHGGINGDGGTGGMGGQGGAGGNGWAAEG ITVGIGEQGGQGGDGGAGGAGGIGGSAGGIGGSQGAGGHGGDGGQGGAGG SGGVGGGGAGAGGDGGAGGIGGTGGNGSIGGAAGNGGNGGRGGAGGMATA GSDGGNGGGGGNGGVGVGSAGGAGGTGGDGGAAGAGGAPGHGYFQQPAPQ GLPIGTGGTGGEGGAGGAGGDGGQGDIGFDGGRGGDGGPGGGGGAGGDGS GTFNAQANNGGDGGAGGVGGAGGTGGTGGVGADGGRGGDSGRGGDGGNAG HGGAAQFSGRGAYGGEGGSGGAGGNAGGAGTGGTAGSGGAGGFGGNGADG GNGGNGGNGGFGGINGTFGTNGAGGTGGLGTLLGGHNGNIGLNGATGGIG STTLTNATVPLQLVNTTEPVVFISLNGGQMVPVLLDTGSTGLVMDSQFLT QNFGPVIGTGTAGYAGGLTYNYNTYSTTVDFGNGLLTLPTSVNVVTSSSP GTLGNFLSRSGAVGVLGIGPNNGFPGTSSIVTAMPGLLNNGVLIDESAGI LQFGPNTLTGGITISGAPISTVAVQIDNGPLQQAPVMFDSGGINGTIPSA LASLPSGGFVPAGTTISVYTSDGQTLLYSYTTTATNTPFVTSGGVMNTGH VPFAQQPIYVSYSPTAIGTTTFN  (SEQ ID NO: 12; see also TUBERCULIST No. Rv0977, as available on Oct. 6, 2009; incorporated herein by reference). MTHDHAHSRGVPAMIKEIFAPHSHDAADSVDDTLESTAAGIRTVKISLLVL GLTALIQIVIVVMSGSVALAADTIHNFADALTAVPLWIAFALGAKPATRRY TYGFGRVEDLAGSFVVAMITMSAIIAGYEAIARLIHPQQIEHVGWVALAGL VGFIGNEWVALYRIRVGHRIGSAALIADGLHARTDGFTSLAVLCSAGGVAL GFPLADPIVGLLITAAILAVLRTAARDVFRRLLDGVDPAMVDAAEQALAAR PGVQAVRSVRMRWIGHRLHADAELDVDPALDLAQAHRIAHDAEHELTHTVP KLTTALIHAYPAEHGSSIPDRGRTVE  (SEQ ID NO: 13; see also TUBERCULIST No. Rv2025c, as available on Oct. 6, 2009; incorporated herein by reference). VVNFSVLPPEINSGRMFFGAGSGPMLAAAAAWDGLAAELGLAAESFGLVTS GLAGGSGQAWQGAAAAAMVVAAAPYAGWLAAAAARAGGAAVQAKAVAGAFE AARAAMVDPVVVAANRSAFVQLVLSNVFGQNAPAIAAAEATYEQMWAADVA AMVGYHGGASAAAAALAPWQQAVPGLSGLLGGAANAPAAAAQGAAQGLAEL TLNLGVGNIGSLNLGSGNIGGTNVGSGNVGGTNLGSGNYGSLNWGSGNTGT GNAGSGNTGDYNPGSGNFGSGNFGSGNIGSLNVGSGNFGTLNLANGNNGDV NFGGGNTGDFNFGGGNNGTLNFGFGNTGSGNFGFGNTGNNNIGIGLTGDGQ IGIGGLNSGTGNIGFGNSGNNNIGFFNSGDGNIGFFNSGDGNTGFGNAGNI NTGFWNAGNLNTGFGSAGNGNVGIFDGGNSNSGSFNVGFQNTGFGNSGAGN TGFFNAGDSNTGFANAGNVNTGFFNGGDINTGGFNGGNVNTGFGSALTQAG ANSGFGNLGTGNSGWGNSDPSGTGNSGFFNTGNGNSGFSNAGPAMLPGFNS GFANIGSFNAGIANSGNNLAGISNSGDDSSGAVNSGSQNSGAFNAGVGLSG FFR  (SEQ ID NO: 14; see also TUBERCULIST No. Rv2356c, as available on Oct. 6, 2009; incorporated herein by reference, known as PPE40). MNYSVLPPEINSLRMFTGAGSAPMLAASVAWDRLAAELAVAASSFGSVTSG LAGQSWQGAAAAAMAAAAAPYAGWLAAAAARAAGASAQAKAVASAFEAARA ATVHPMLVAANRNAFVQLVLSNLFGQNAPAIAAAEAMYEQMWAADVAAMVG YHGGASAAAAQLSSWSIGLQQALPAAPSALAAAIGLGNIGVGNLGGGNTGD YNLGSGNSGNANVGSGNSGNANVGSGNDGATNLGSGNIGNTNLGSGNVGNV NLGSGNRGFGNLGNGNFGSGNLGSGNTGSTNFGGGNLGSFNLGSGNIGSSN IGFGNNGDNNLGLGNNGNNNIGFGLTGDNLVGIGALNSGIGNLGFGNSGNN NIGFFNSGNNNVGFFNSGNNNFGFGNAGDINTGFGNAGDTNTGFGNAGFFN MGIGNAGNEDMGVGNGGSFNVGVGNAGNQSVGFGNAGTLNVGFANAGSINT GFANSGSINTGGFDSGDRNTGFGSSVDQSVSSSGFGNTGMNSSGFFNTGNV SAGYGNNGDVQSGINNTNSGGFNVGFYNSGAGTVGIANSGLQTTGIANSGT LNTGVANTGDHSSGGFNQGSDQSGFFGQP  (SEQ ID NO: 15; see also TUBERCULIST No. Rv3159c, as available on Oct. 6, 2009; incorporated herein by reference, known as PPE53). MSFVFAAPEALAAAAADMAGIGSTLNAANVVAAVPTTGVLAAAADEVSTQV AALLSAHAQGYQQLSRQMMTAFHDQFVQALRASADAYATAEASAAQTMVNA VNAPARALLGHPLISADASTGGGSNALSRVQSMFLGTGGSSALGGSAAANA AASGALQLQPTGGASGLSAVGALLPRAGAAAAAALPALAAESIGNAIKNLY NAVEPWVQYGFNLTAWAVGWLPYIGILAPQINFFYYLGEPIVQAVLFNAID FVDGTVTFSQALTNIETATAASINQFINTEINWIRGFLPPLPPISPPGFPS  LP (SEQ ID NO: 16; see also TUBERCULIST No. Rv1172c, as available on Oct. 6, 2009; incorporated herein by reference, known as PE12). MDYAFLPPEINSARMYSGPGPNSMLVAAASWDALAAELASAAENYGSVIAR LTGMHWWGPASTSMLAMSAPYVEWLERTAAQTKQTATQARAAAAAFEQAHA MTVPPALVTGIRGAIVVETASASNTAGTPP  (SEQ ID NO: 17; see also TUBERCULIST No. Rv3135, as available on Jun. 8, 2009, incorporated herein by reference, known as PPE50 or PPE). LSASVSATTAHHGLPAHEVVLLLESDPYHGLSDGEAAQRLERFGPNTLAVV TRASLLARILRQFHHPLIYVLLVAGTITAGLKEFVDAAVIFGVVVINAIVG FIQESKAEAALQGLRSMVHTHAKVVREGHEHTMPSEELVPGDLVLLAAGDK VPADLRLVRQTGLSVNESALTGESTPVHKDEVALPEGTPVADRRNIAYSGT LVTAGHGAGIVVATGAETELGEIHRLVGAAEVVATPLTAKLAWFSKFLTIA ILGLAALTFGVGLLRRQDAVETFTAAIALAVGAIPEGLPTAVTITLAIGMA RMAKRRAVIRRLPAVETLGSTTVICADKTGTLTENQMTVQSIWTPHGEIRA TGTGYAPDVLLCDTDDAPVPVNANAALRWSLLAGACSNDAALVRDGTRWQI VGDPTEGAMLVVAAKAGFNPERLATTLPQVAAIPFSSERQYMATLHRDGTD HVVLAKGAVERMLDLCGTEMGADGALRPLDRATVLRATEMLTSRGLRVLAT GMGAGAGTPDDFDENVIPGSLALTGLQAMSDPPRAAAASAVAACHSAGIAV KMITGDHAGTATAIATEVGLLDNTEPAAGSVLTGAELAALSADQYPEAVDT ASVFARVSPEQKLRLVQALQARGHVVAMTGDGVNDAPALRQANIGVAMGRG GTEVAKDAADMVLTDDDFATIEAAVEEGRGVFDNLTKFITWTLPTNLGEGL VILAAIAVGVALPILPTQILWINMTTAIALGLMLAFEPKEAGIMTRPPRDP DQPLLTGWLVRRTLLVSTLLVASAWWLFAWELDNGAGLHEARTAALNLFVV VEAFYLFSCRSLTRSAWRLGMFANRWIILGVSAQAIAQFAITYLPAMNMVF DTAPIDIGVWVRIFAVATAITIVVATDTLLPRIRAQPP  (SEQ ID NO: 18; see also TUBERCULIST No. Rv1997, as available on Jun. 8, 2009, incorporated herein by reference, known as ctpF).

In a second embodiment, an Mtb polypeptide of use in the methods disclosed herein has a sequence at least 75%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homologous to the amino acid sequence set forth in one of SEQ ID NOs: 1-18. For example, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homologous to one of the amino acid sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 1-18. Exemplary sequences can be obtained using computer programs that are readily available on the internet and the amino acid sequences set forth herein. In one example, the polypeptide retains a function of the Mtb protein, such as binding to an antibody that specifically binds the Mtb epitope.

Minor modifications of an Mtb polypeptide primary amino acid sequences may result in peptides which have substantially equivalent activity as compared to the unmodified counterpart polypeptide described herein. Such modifications may be deliberate, as by site-directed mutagenesis, or may be spontaneous. All of the polypeptides produced by these modifications are included herein. Thus, a specific, non-limiting example of an Mtb polypeptide is a conservative variant of the Mtb polypeptide (such as a single conservative amino acid substitution, for example, one or more conservative amino acid substitutions, for example 1-10 conservative substitutions, 2-5 conservative substitutions, 4-9 conservative substitutions, such as 1, 2, 5 or 10 conservative substitutions). A table of conservative substitutions is provided herein. Substitutions of the amino acids sequence shown in SEQ ID NOs: 1-18 can be made based on this table.

Mtb polypeptides are disclosed herein that can be used to induce an immune response to Mtb. These peptides include or consist of at least nine amino acids, such as nine to twenty amino acids consecutive amino acids of an Mtb polypeptide set forth above. In particular non-limiting examples the Mtb polypeptide includes or consists of MDFALLPPEVNSARM (amino acids 1-15 of SEQ ID NO: 2) or AEMWAQDAA (amino acids 141-149 of SEQ ID NO: 2). Specific, non-limiting examples are fifteen, fourteen, thirteen, twelve, eleven, ten, or nine consecutive amino acids of one of the Mtb polypeptides set forth above. In these examples, the Mtb polypeptide does not include the full-length amino acid sequences set forth as SEQ ID NOs: 1-18.

In several embodiments, the isolated Mtb polypeptide is included in a fusion protein. Thus, the fusion protein can include the Mtb polypeptide (see above) and a second heterologous moiety, such as a myc protein, an enzyme or a carrier (such as a hepatitis carrier protein or bovine serum albumin) covalently linked to the Mtb polypeptide. In several examples, a polypeptide consisting of nine to twelve amino acids of one of the amino acid sequences set forth as SEQ ID NOs: 1-18 that bind MHC class I is covalently linked to a carrier. In an additional example, a polypeptide consisting of one of the amino acid sequences set forth as one of SEQ ID NOs: 1-18 is covalently linked to a carrier.

In additional examples, the polypeptide can be a fusion protein and can also include heterologous sequences to Mtb. Thus, in several specific non-limiting examples, the immunogenic peptide is a fusion polypeptide, for example the polypeptide includes six sequential histidine residues, a β-galactosidase amino acid sequence, or an immunoglobulin amino acid sequence. The polypeptide can also be covalently linked to a carrier. In additional embodiments, the protein consists of the Mtb polypeptide.

The polypeptide can optionally include repetitions of one or more of the Mtb polypeptides disclosed herein. In one specific, non-limiting example, the polypeptide includes two, three, four, five, or up to ten repetitions of one of the Mtb polypeptides described above. Alternatively, more than one polypeptide can be included in a fusion polypeptide. Thus, in several examples, the polypeptide can include at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five or at least six of the amino acid sequences set forth as SEQ ID NOs: 1-18 or nine to twenty amino acids of one of the amino acid sequences set forth as SEQ ID NOs: 1-18 and repetitions of these sequences. A linker sequence can optionally be included between the Mtb polypeptides.

The Mtb polypeptides disclosed herein can be chemically synthesized by standard methods, or can be produced recombinantly. An exemplary process for polypeptide production is described in Lu et al., FEBS Lett. 429:31-35, 1998. They can also be isolated by methods including preparative chromatography and immunological separations. Polypeptides can also be produced using molecular genetic techniques, such as by inserting a nucleic acid encoding Mtb or an epitope thereof into an expression vector, introducing the expression vector into a host cell, and isolating the polypeptide (see below).

In particular embodiments provided herein, one or more of the disclosed Mtb polypeptides (or fragments thereof) can be conjugated to a substrate or solid support, such as a plate or array. In one example, the plate or array includes, consists essentially of, or consists of one (such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, or all) of SEQ ID NOs: 1-18 or fragments thereof. In some examples, the plate or array also includes one or more control polypeptides. Methods for selecting an appropriate substrate and constructing a plate or array are well known to one of skill in the art (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,143,854; 5,405,783; 5,445,934; and 5,744,305; all incorporated herein by reference).

Polynucleotides encoding the Mtb polypeptides disclosed herein are also provided. Exemplary nucleic acid sequences are set forth as SEQ ID NOs: 19-36. These polynucleotides include DNA, cDNA and RNA sequences which encode the polypeptide of interest. Silent mutations in the coding sequence result from the degeneracy (i.e., redundancy) of the genetic code, whereby more than one codon can encode the same amino acid residue. Tables showing the standard genetic code can be found in various sources (e.g., L. Stryer, 1988, Biochemistry, 3′ Edition, W.H. Freeman and Co., NY).

A nucleic acid encoding an Mtb polypeptide can be cloned or amplified by in vitro methods, such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the ligase chain reaction (LCR), the transcription-based amplification system (TAS), the self-sustained sequence replication system (3SR) and the Qβ replicase amplification system (QB). For example, a polynucleotide encoding the protein can be isolated by polymerase chain reaction of cDNA using primers based on the DNA sequence of the molecule. A wide variety of cloning and in vitro amplification methodologies are well known to persons skilled in the art. PCR methods are described in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,683,195; Mullis et al., Cold Spring Harbor Symp. Quant. Biol. 51:263, 1987; and Erlich, ed., PCR Technology (Stockton Press, N Y, 1989). Polynucleotides also can be isolated by screening genomic or cDNA libraries with probes selected from the sequences of the desired polynucleotide under stringent hybridization conditions.

The polynucleotides encoding an Mtb polypeptide include a recombinant DNA which is incorporated into a vector into an autonomously replicating plasmid or virus or into the genomic DNA of a prokaryote or eukaryote, or which exists as a separate molecule (such as a cDNA) independent of other sequences. The nucleotides of the invention can be ribonucleotides, deoxyribonucleotides, or modified forms of either nucleotide. The term includes single and double forms of DNA.

In one embodiment, vectors are used for expression in yeast such as S. cerevisiae or Kluyveromyces lactis. Several promoters are known to be of use in yeast expression systems such as the constitutive promoters plasma membrane H⁺-ATPase (PMA1), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPD), phosphoglycerate kinase-1 (PGK1), alcohol dehydrogenase-1 (ADH1), and pleiotropic drug-resistant pump (PDR5). In addition, many inducible promoters are of use, such as GAL1-10 (induced by galactose), PHO5 (induced by low extracellular inorganic phosphate), and tandem heat shock HSE elements (induced by temperature elevation to 37° C.). Promoters that direct variable expression in response to a titratable inducer include the methionine-responsive MET3 and MET25 promoters and copper-dependent CUP1 promoters. Any of these promoters may be cloned into multicopy (2μ) or single copy (CEN) plasmids to give an additional level of control in expression level. The plasmids can include nutritional markers (such as URA3, ADE3, HIS1, and others) for selection in yeast and antibiotic resistance (such as AMP) for propagation in bacteria. Plasmids for expression on K. lactis are known, such as pKLAC1. Thus, in one example, after amplification in bacteria, plasmids can be introduced into the corresponding yeast auxotrophs by methods similar to bacterial transformation.

The Mtb polypeptides can be expressed in a variety of yeast strains. For example, seven pleiotropic drug-resistant transporters, YOR1, SNQ2, PDR5, YCF1, PDR10, PDR11, and PDR15, together with their activating transcription factors, PDR1 and PDR3, have been simultaneously deleted in yeast host cells, rendering the resultant strain sensitive to drugs. Yeast strains with altered lipid composition of the plasma membrane, such as the erg6 mutant defective in ergosterol biosynthesis, can also be utilized. Proteins that are highly sensitive to proteolysis can be expressed in a yeast strain lacking the master vacuolar endopeptidase Pep4, which controls the activation of other vacuolar hydrolases. Heterologous expression in strains carrying temperature-sensitive (ts) alleles of genes can be employed if the corresponding null mutant is inviable.

Viral vectors encoding the Mtb polypeptides disclosed herein can also be prepared. A number of viral vectors have been constructed, including polyoma, SV40 (Madzak et al., 1992, J. Gen. Virol. 73:15331536), adenovirus (Berkner, 1992, Curr. Top. Microbiol. Immunol. 158:39-6; Berliner et al., 1988, BioTechniques 6:616-629; Gorziglia et al., 1992, J. Virol. 66:4407-4412; Quantin et al., 1992, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:2581-2584; Rosenfeld et al., 1992, Cell 68:143-155; Wilkinson et al., 1992, Nucl. Acids Res. 20:2233-2239; Stratford-Perricaudet et al., 1990, Hum. Gene Ther. 1:241-256), vaccinia virus (Mackett et al., 1992, Biotechnology 24:495-499), adeno-associated virus (Muzyczka, 1992, Curr. Top. Microbiol. Immunol. 158:91-123; On et al., 1990, Gene 89:279-282), herpes viruses including HSV and EBV (Margolskee, 1992, Curr. Top. Microbiol. Immunol. 158:67-90; Johnson et al., 1992, J. Virol. 66:2952-2965; Fink et al., 1992, Hum. Gene Ther. 3:11-19; Breakfield et al., 1987, Mol. Neurobiol. 1:337-371; Fresse et al., 1990, Biochem. Pharmacol. 40:2189-2199), Sindbis viruses (Herweijer et al., 1995, Hum. Gene Ther. 6:1161-1167; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,091,309 and 5,2217,879), alphaviruses (Schlesinger, 1993, Trends Biotechnol. 11:18-22; Frolov et al., 1996, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93:11371-11377) and retroviruses of avian (Brandyopadhyay et al., 1984, Mol. Cell Biol. 4:749-754; Petropouplos et al., 1992, J. Virol. 66:3391-3397), murine (Miller, 1992, Curr. Top. Microbiol. Immunol. 158:1-24; Miller et al., 1985, Mol. Cell Biol. 5:431-437; Sorge et al., 1984, Mol. Cell Biol. 4:1730-1737; Mann et al., 1985, J. Virol. 54:401-407), and human origin (Page et al., 1990, J. Virol. 64:5370-5276; Buchschalcher et al., 1992, J. Virol. 66:2731-2739). Baculovirus (Autographa californica multinuclear polyhedrosis virus; AcMNPV) vectors are also known in the art, and may be obtained from commercial sources (such as PharMingen, San Diego, Calif.; Protein Sciences Corp., Meriden, Conn.; Stratagene, La Jolla, Calif.).

Thus, in one embodiment, the polynucleotide encoding an Mtb polypeptide is included in a viral vector. Suitable vectors include retrovirus vectors, orthopox vectors, avipox vectors, fowlpox vectors, capripox vectors, suipox vectors, adenoviral vectors, herpes virus vectors, alpha virus vectors, baculovirus vectors, Sindbis virus vectors, vaccinia virus vectors and poliovirus vectors. Specific exemplary vectors are poxvirus vectors such as vaccinia virus, fowlpox virus and a highly attenuated vaccinia virus (MVA), adenovirus, baculovirus and the like.

Pox viruses useful in practicing the present methods include orthopox, suipox, avipox, and capripox virus. Orthopox include vaccinia, ectromelia, and raccoon pox. One example of an orthopox of use is vaccinia. Avipox includes fowlpox, canary pox and pigeon pox. Capripox include goatpox and sheep pox. In one example, the suipox is swinepox. Examples of pox viral vectors for expression as described for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,165,460, which is incorporated herein by reference. Other viral vectors that can be used include other DNA viruses such as herpes virus and adenoviruses, and RNA viruses such as retroviruses and poliovirus.

The vaccinia virus genome is known in the art. It is composed of a HIND F13L region, TK region, and an HA region. Recombinant vaccinia virus has been used to incorporate an exogenous gene for expression of the exogenous gene product (see, for example, Perkus et al. Science 229:981-984, 1985; Kaufman et al. Int. J. Cancer 48:900-907, 1991; Moss, Science 252:1662, 1991). A gene encoding an antigen of interest, such as an immunogenic Mtb polypeptide, can be incorporated into the HIND F13L region or alternatively incorporated into the TK region of recombinant vaccinia virus vector (or other nonessential regions of the vaccinia virus genome). Baxby and Paoletti (Vaccine 10:8-9, 1992) disclose the construction and use as a vector, of the non-replicating poxvirus, including canarypox virus, fowlpox virus and other avian species. Sutter and Moss (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 89:10847-10851, 1992) and Sutter et al. (Vaccine 12:1032-1040, 1994) disclose the construction and use as a vector of the non-replicating recombinant Ankara virus (MVA, modified vaccinia Ankara).

Suitable vectors are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,998,252, which is incorporated herein by reference. In one example, a recombinant poxvirus, such as a recombinant vaccinia virus is synthetically modified by insertion of a chimeric gene containing vaccinia regulatory sequences or DNA sequences functionally equivalent thereto flanking DNA sequences which in nature are not contiguous with the flanking vaccinia regulatory DNA sequences that encode a Mtb polypeptide. The recombinant virus containing such a chimeric gene is effective at expressing the Mtb polypeptide. In one example, the vaccine viral vector comprises (A) a segment comprised of (i) a first DNA sequence encoding a Mtb polypeptide and (ii) a poxvirus promoter, wherein the poxvirus promoter is adjacent to and exerts transcriptional control over the DNA sequence encoding an Mtb polypeptide; and, flanking said segment, (B) DNA from a nonessential region of a poxvirus genome. The viral vector can encode a selectable marker. In one example, the poxvirus includes, for example, a thymidine kinase gene (see U.S. Pat. No. 6,998,252, which is incorporated herein by reference).

Viral vectors, such as poxviral vectors, that encode an Mtb polypeptide include at least one expression control element operationally linked to the nucleic acid sequence encoding the Mtb polypeptide. The expression control elements are inserted in the viral vector to control and regulate the expression of the nucleic acid sequence. Examples of expression control elements of use in these vectors includes, but is not limited to, lac system, operator and promoter regions of phage lambda, yeast promoters and promoters derived from polyoma, adenovirus, retrovirus or SV40. Additional operational elements include, but are not limited to, leader sequence, termination codons, polyadenylation signals and any other sequences necessary for the appropriate transcription and subsequent translation of the nucleic acid sequence encoding the Mtb polypeptide in the host system. The expression vector can contain additional elements necessary for the transfer and subsequent replication of the expression vector containing the nucleic acid sequence in the host system. Examples of such elements include, but are not limited to, origins of replication and selectable markers. It will further be understood by one skilled in the art that such vectors are easily constructed using conventional methods (Ausubel et al., (1987) in “Current Protocols in Molecular Biology,” John Wiley and Sons, New York, N.Y.) and are commercially available.

Basic techniques for preparing recombinant DNA viruses containing a heterologous DNA sequence encoding the one or more Mtb polypeptides are known in the art. Such techniques involve, for example, homologous recombination between the viral DNA sequences flanking the DNA sequence in a donor plasmid and homologous sequences present in the parental virus (Mackett et al., 1982, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 79:7415-7419). In particular, recombinant viral vectors such as a poxviral vector can be used in delivering the gene. The vector can be constructed for example by steps known in the art, such as steps analogous to the methods for creating synthetic recombinants of the fowlpox virus described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,093,258, incorporated herein by reference. Other techniques include using a unique restriction endonuclease site that is naturally present or artificially inserted in the parental viral vector to insert the heterologous DNA.

Generally, a DNA donor vector contains the following elements: (i) a prokaryotic origin of replication, so that the vector may be amplified in a prokaryotic host; (ii) a gene encoding a marker which allows selection of prokaryotic host cells that contain the vector (e.g., a gene encoding antibiotic resistance); (iii) at least one DNA sequence encoding the one or more Mtb polypeptide located adjacent to a transcriptional promoter capable of directing the expression of the sequence; and (iv) DNA sequences homologous to the region of the parent virus genome where the foreign gene(s) will be inserted, flanking the construct of element (iii). Methods for constructing donor plasmids for the introduction of multiple foreign genes into pox virus are described in PCT Publication No. WO 91/19803, incorporated herein by reference.

Generally, DNA fragments for construction of the donor vector, including fragments containing transcriptional promoters and fragments containing sequences homologous to the region of the parent virus genome into which foreign DNA sequences are to be inserted, can be obtained from genomic DNA or cloned DNA fragments. The donor plasmids can be mono-, di-, or multivalent (e.g., can contain one or more inserted foreign DNA sequences). The donor vector can contain an additional gene that encodes a marker that will allow identification of recombinant viruses containing inserted foreign DNA. Several types of marker genes can be used to permit the identification and isolation of recombinant viruses. These include genes that encode antibiotic or chemical resistance (e.g., see Spyropoulos et al., 1988, J. Virol. 62:1046; Falkner and Moss, 1988, J. Virol. 62:1849; Franke et al., 1985, Mol. Cell. Biol. 5:1918), as well as genes such as the E. coli lacZ gene, that permit identification of recombinant viral plaques by colorimetric assay (Panicali et al., 1986, Gene 47:193-199).

The DNA gene sequence to be inserted into the virus can be placed into a donor plasmid, such as an E. coli or a Salmonella plasmid construct, into which DNA homologous to a section of DNA such as that of the insertion site of the poxvirus where the DNA is to be inserted has been inserted. Separately the DNA gene sequence to be inserted is ligated to a promoter. The promoter-gene linkage is positioned in the plasmid construct so that the promoter-gene linkage is flanked on both ends by DNA homologous to a DNA sequence flanking a region of pox DNA that is the desired insertion region. With a parental pox viral vector, a pox promoter is used. The resulting plasmid construct is then amplified by growth within E. coli bacteria and isolated. Next, the isolated plasmid containing the DNA gene sequence to be inserted is transfected into a cell culture, for example chick embryo fibroblasts, along with the parental virus, for example poxvirus. Recombination between homologous pox DNA in the plasmid and the viral genome respectively results in a recombinant poxvirus modified by the presence of the promoter-gene construct in its genome, at a site that does not affect virus viability.

As noted above, the DNA sequence is inserted into a region (insertion region) in the virus that does not affect virus viability of the resultant recombinant virus. One of skill in the art can readily identify such regions in a virus by, for example, randomly testing segments of virus DNA for regions that allow recombinant formation without seriously affecting virus viability of the recombinant. One region that can readily be used and is present in many viruses is the thymidine kinase (TK) gene. The TK gene has been found in all pox virus genomes examined, including leporipoxvirus (Upton et al., 1986, J. Virol. 60:920); shope fibroma virus; capripoxvirus (Gershon et al., 1989, J. Gen. Virol. 70:525); Kenya sheep-1; orthopoxvirus (Weir et al., 1983, J. Virol. 46:530); vaccinia (Esposito et al., 1984, Virology 135:561); monkeypox and variola virus (Hruby et al., 1983, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 80:3411); vaccinia (Kilpatrick et al., 1985, Virology 143:399); Yaba monkey tumor virus; avipoxvirus (Binns et al., 1988, J. Gen. Virol. 69:1275); fowlpox; (Boyle et al., 1987, Virology 156:355; Schnitzlein et al., 1988, J. Virol. Meth. 20:341); and entomopox (Lytvyn et al., 1992, J. Gen. Virol. 73:3235-3240). In vaccinia, in addition to the TK region, other insertion regions include, for example, the HindIII M fragment. In fowlpox, in addition to the TK region, other insertion regions include, for example, the BamHI J fragment (Jenkins et al., 1991, AIDS Res. Hum. Retroviruses 7:991-998), the EcoRI-HindIII fragment, EcoRV-HindIII fragment, BamHI fragment and the HindIII fragment set forth in EPO Application No. 0 308220 A1 (see also Calvert et al., 1993, J. Virol. 67:3069-3076; Taylor et al., 1988, Vaccine 6:497-503; Spehner et al., 1990, J. Virol. 64:527-533; Boursnell et al., 1990, J. Gen. Virol. 71:621-628).

In swinepox, insertion sites include the thymidine kinase gene region. In addition to the requirement that the gene be inserted into an insertion region, successful expression of the inserted gene by the modified poxvirus requires the presence of a promoter operably linked to the desired gene. Generally, the promoter is placed so that it is located upstream from the gene to be expressed. Promoters are well known in the art and can readily be selected depending on the host and the cell type to be targeted. In one example, in poxviruses, pox viral promoters are used, such as the vaccinia 7.5K, 40K or fowlpox promoters such as FPV C1A. Enhancer elements can also be used in combination to increase the level of expression. Furthermore, inducible promoters can be utilized.

Homologous recombination between donor plasmid DNA and viral DNA in an infected cell can result in the formation of recombinant viruses that incorporate the desired elements. Appropriate host cells for in vivo recombination are generally eukaryotic cells that can be infected by the virus and transfected by the plasmid vector. Examples of such cells suitable for use with a pox virus are chick embryo fibroblasts, HuTK143 (human) cells, and CV-1 and BSC-40 (both monkey kidney) cells. Infection of cells with pox virus and transfection of these cells with plasmid vectors is accomplished by techniques standard in the art (see U.S. Pat. No. 4,603,112 and PCT Publication No. WO 89/03429).

Following in vivo recombination, recombinant viral progeny can be identified by one of several techniques. For example, if the DNA donor vector is designed to insert foreign genes into the parent virus thymidine kinase (TK) gene, viruses containing integrated DNA will be TK⁻ and can be selected on this basis (Mackett et al., 1982, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 79:7415). Alternatively, co-integration of a gene encoding a marker or indicator gene with the foreign gene(s) of interest, as described above, can be used to identify recombinant progeny. One specific non-limiting example of an indicator gene is the E. coli lacZ gene. Recombinant viruses expressing beta-galactosidase can be selected using a chromogenic substrate for the enzyme (Panicali et al., 1986, Gene 47:193). Once a recombinant virus has been identified, a variety of well-known methods can be used to assay the expression of the Mtb sequence encoded by the inserted DNA fragment. These methods include black plaque assay (an in situ enzyme immunoassay performed on viral plaques), Western blot analysis, radioimmunoprecipitation (RIPA), and enzyme immunoassay (EIA).

DNA sequences encoding an Mtb polypeptide can be expressed in vitro by DNA transfer into a suitable host cell. The cell may be prokaryotic or eukaryotic. The term also includes any progeny of the subject host cell. It is understood that all progeny may not be identical to the parental cell since there may be mutations that occur during replication. Methods of stable transfer, meaning that the foreign DNA is continuously maintained in the host, are known in the art.

As noted above, a polynucleotide sequence encoding an Mtb polypeptide can be operatively linked to expression control sequences. An expression control sequence operatively linked to a coding sequence is ligated such that expression of the coding sequence is achieved under conditions compatible with the expression control sequences. The expression control sequences include, but are not limited to, appropriate promoters, enhancers, transcription terminators, a start codon (i.e., ATG) in front of a protein-encoding gene, splicing signal for introns, maintenance of the correct reading frame of that gene to permit proper translation of mRNA, and stop codons.

Host cells can include microbial, yeast, insect and mammalian host cells. Methods of expressing DNA sequences having eukaryotic or viral sequences in prokaryotes are well known in the art. Non-limiting examples of suitable host cells include bacteria, archea, insect, fungi (for example, yeast), mycobacterium (such as M. smegmatis), plant, and animal cells (for example, mammalian cells, such as human) Exemplary cells of use include E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Salmonella typhimurium, SF9 cells, C129 cells, 293 cells, Neurospora, and immortalized mammalian myeloid and lymphoid cell lines. Techniques for the propagation of mammalian cells in culture are well-known (see, Jakoby and Pastan (eds), 1979, Cell Culture. Meth. Enzymol. volume 58, Academic Press, Inc., Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, N.Y.). Examples of commonly used mammalian host cell lines are VERO and HeLa cells, CHO cells, and WI38, BHK, and COS cell lines, although other cell lines may be used, such as cells designed to provide higher expression, desirable glycosylation patterns, or other features. As discussed above, techniques for the transformation of yeast cells, such as polyethylene glycol transformation, protoplast transformation and gene guns are also known in the art (see Gietz and Woods Meth. Enzymol. 350: 87-96, 2002).

Transformation of a host cell with recombinant DNA can be carried out by conventional techniques as are well known to those skilled in the art. Where the host is prokaryotic, such as, but not limited to, E. coli, competent cells which are capable of DNA uptake can be prepared from cells harvested after exponential growth phase and subsequently treated by the CaCl₂ method using procedures well known in the art. Alternatively, MgCl₂ or RbCl can be used. Transformation can also be performed after forming a protoplast of the host cell if desired, or by electroporation.

When the host is a eukaryote, such methods of transfection of DNA as calcium phosphate coprecipitates, conventional mechanical procedures such as microinjection, electroporation, insertion of a plasmid encased in liposomes, or virus vectors can be used. Eukaryotic cells can also be co-transformed with polynucleotide sequences encoding an Mtb polypeptide, and a second foreign DNA molecule encoding a selectable phenotype, such as the herpes simplex thymidine kinase gene. Another method is to use a eukaryotic viral vector, such as simian virus 40 (SV40) or bovine papilloma virus, to transiently infect or transform eukaryotic cells and express the protein (see for example, Eukaryotic Viral Vectors, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Gluzman ed., 1982).

In particular embodiments provided herein, one or more of the disclosed Mtb polynucleotides (or fragments thereof) can be conjugated to a substrate or solid support, such as a plate or array. In one example, the plate or array includes, consists essentially of, or consists of one (such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, or all) of SEQ ID NOs: 19-36 or fragments thereof. In some examples, the plate or array also includes one or more control polynucleotides. Methods for selecting an appropriate substrate and constructing a plate or array are well known to one of skill in the art (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,554,501; 5,985,567; 5,981,185; and 6,013,789; and PCT Publications WO 85/01051 and WO 89/10977; all incorporated herein by reference).

IV. METHODS FOR DETECTING MTB INFECTION A. Detection of T Cells

Methods for detection of a Mycobacterium infection in a subject are disclosed herein. In several embodiments, a Mycobacterium infection can be detected based on the presence of T cells in a biological sample, wherein the T cells specifically react with a Mtb polypeptide disclosed herein (e.g., SEQ ID NOs: 1-18).

In several embodiments, a biological sample comprising T cells is obtained from a subject of interest. Suitable biological samples include, but are not limited to, blood samples, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, sputum, saliva, cerebrospinal fluid or samples of isolated T cells (such as CD8⁺ T cells and/or CD4⁺ T cells), lymph node tissue, lung tissue, or other tissue sample. In one example, the sample is incubated with a Mycobacterium polypeptide, as disclosed herein, a polynucleotide encoding the Mtb polypeptide or an APC that expresses the Mtb polypeptide or a fragment thereof that binds MHC. The presence or absence of specific activation of the T cells is detected.

The CD8⁺ T cells and/or CD4⁺ T cells which recognize the peptide in the detection method have generally been presensitized in vivo to the Mtb polypeptide of interest. In several embodiments, these antigen-experienced T cells are generally present in the peripheral blood of a host which has been exposed to the antigen at a frequency of 1 in 10⁶ to 1 in 10³ peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).

In one example, the sample is isolated T cells. For example, T cells can be isolated from a subject of interest by routine techniques (such as by Ficoll/Hypaque density gradient centrifugation of peripheral blood lymphocytes, or by fluorescence activated cell sorting). In one embodiment the T cells used in the assay are in the form of unprocessed or diluted samples, or are freshly isolated T cells (such as in the form of freshly isolated mononuclear cells (MCs) or PBMCs which are used directly ex vivo, such that they are not cultured before being used in the method. However the T cells can be cultured before use, for example in the presence of one or more of the peptides, and generally also exogenous growth promoting cytokines. During culturing, the peptides are typically presented on the surface of cells such as APCs. Pre-culturing of the T cells may lead to an increase in the sensitivity of the method. Thus the T cells can be converted into cell lines, such as short term cell lines.

In several embodiments, the T cells are incubated in vitro for two to nine days, such as about four days, at 37° C. with an Mtb polypeptide or fragment thereof that binds MHC. In several examples, the Mtb polypeptide or fragment thereof that binds MHC is included (at a concentration of, for example, about 5 to about 25 μg/ml, such as about 5, about 10, about 15, or about 20 μg/ml). In several examples, another aliquot of a T cell sample can be incubated in the absence of the Mtb polypeptide as a control.

In one embodiment, MCs are separated from the sample. The MCs include the T cells and APCs. Thus in the method the APCs present in the separated MCs can present the peptide to the T cells. In another embodiment only T cells, such as only CD8⁺ T cells, only CD4⁺ T cells, or only CD3⁺ T cells, can be purified from the sample.

The APC used in the method may be any cell which has MHC class I molecules on its surface. It may or may not be a specialized antigen presenting cell, such as a B cell, dendritic cell or macrophage. The APC used in the method may be from the same host as the T cell. Generally, the APC is capable of presenting the peptide to a T cell. The APC can be a freshly isolated ex vivo cell or a cultured cell such as a cell from of a cell line.

T cells derived from the sample from the subject of interest can be placed into an assay with all the Mtb polypeptides (or a pool of the Mtb polypeptides, or a specific Mtb polypeptide) which it is intended to test the relevant panel or the T cells can be divided and placed into separate assays each of which contain one or more of the peptides. In one embodiment, one or more of the polypeptides with an amino acid sequence set forth as SEQ ID NOs: 1-18, or a fragment of one or more of these polypeptides that bind MHC, is utilized. Two or more of any of the Mtb peptides disclosed herein can be used for simultaneous, separate or sequential use of T cells that recognize these polypeptides. Additional combinations of any of the Mtb polypeptides disclosed herein can be utilized.

In one embodiment the one or more peptide(s) is (are) provided to the presenting cell in the absence of the T cell. This cell is then provided to T cells isolated from the subject, typically after being allowed to present the peptide on its surface.

The duration for which the peptide is contacted with the cells will vary depending on the method used for determining recognition of the peptide. Typically 10⁵ to 10⁷, such as 5×10⁵ to 10⁶ PBMCs are added to each assay. In the case where peptide is added directly to the assay its concentration is typically from 10⁻¹ to 10³ μg/ml, such as about 0.5 to about 50 μg/ml or about 1 to about 10 μg/ml. The length of time for which the T cells are incubated with the peptide can be from about 4 to about 24 hours, such as from about 6 to about 16 hours, or for about 12 hours.

The determination of the specific recognition of the peptide by the T cells can be done by measuring the binding of the peptide to the T cells. Typically T cells which bind the peptide can be sorted based on this binding, for example using a fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) technique. The detection of the presence of T cells which recognize the peptide will be deemed to occur if the frequency of cells sorted using the peptide is above a control value.

Determination of whether the T cells recognize the peptide can also be done by detecting a change in the state of the T cells in the presence of the peptide or determining whether the T cells bind the peptide. The change in state is generally caused by antigen specific functional activity of the T cell after the T cell receptor binds the peptide. Generally, when binding the T cell receptor the peptide is bound to an MHC class I molecule, which may be present on the surface of a PBMC or an APC.

T cell activation can be detected by any means known to one of skill in the art. In one example, CD8⁺ T cell activation is detected by evaluating cytolytic activity. In another example, CD8⁺ T cell activation and/or CD4⁺ T cell activation is detected by proliferation. In several examples, a level of proliferation that is at least two fold greater and/or a level of cytolytic activity that is at least 20% greater than in uninfected subjects indicates the presence of a Mycobacterium infection in the subject of interest.

The change in state of the T cell detected may also be the start of or an increase in secretion of a substance from the T cell, such as a cytokine, such as interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-2 or TNF-α. In one example, the substance can be detected by allowing it to bind to a specific binding agent and then measuring the presence of the specific binding agent/substance complex. The specific binding agent is typically an antibody, such as polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies that binds the substance, such as the cytokine. Antibodies to cytokines are commercially available, or can be made using standard techniques.

Typically the specific binding agent, such as the antibody, is immobilized on a solid support. After the cytokine is allowed to bind, the solid support can optionally be washed to remove material which is not specifically bound to the antibody. The antibody/cytokine complex can be detected by using a second binding agent which will bind the complex, such as an antibody that is labeled (either directly or indirectly) with a detectable label. Generally, the second agent binds the substance at a site which is different from the site which binds the first agent.

In several examples, the second binding agent can be detected by a third agent which is labeled directly or indirectly by a detectable label. For example the second agent may include biotin, allowing detection by a third agent which comprises a streptavidin and a label, such as an enzymatic, radioactive or fluorescent label.

In one embodiment the detection system is an ELISPOT assay, such as the assay described in PCT Publication No. WO 98/23960, incorporated herein by reference. In one example, IFN-γ secreted from the T cell is bound by a first IFN-γ specific antibody which is immobilized on a solid support. The bound IFN-γ is then detected using a second IFN-γ specific antibody which is labeled with a detectable label. Exemplary labeled antibodies are commercially available, such as from MABTECH™ (Stockholm, Sweden). An exemplary ELISPOT assay is described in the Examples section below.

The change in state of the T cell also may be an increase in the uptake of substances by the T cell, such as the uptake of thymidine. The change in state can also be measured by an increase in the size of the T cells, or proliferation of the T cells, or a change in cell surface markers on the T cell.

Reagents are provided herein for the detection of CD8 expressing cells (CD8⁺) that specifically bind an Mtb polypeptide as disclosed herein. These reagents are tetrameric MHC Class I/immunogenic TARP polypeptide complexes. These tetrameric complexes include an Mtb polypeptide, such as a polypeptide of nine to twenty amino acids in length that specifically binds MHC class I.

Tetrameric MHC Class I/peptide complexes can be synthesized using methods well known in the art (Altmann et al., Science 274:94, 1996, which is herein incorporated by reference). In one specific non-limiting example, purified HLA heavy chain polypeptide and β-microglobulin (β2m) can be synthesized by means of a prokaryotic expression system. One specific, non-limiting example of an expression system of use is the pET system (R&D Systems, Minneapolis, Minn.). The heavy chain is modified by deletion of the trans-membrane and cytosolic tail and COOH-terminal addition of a sequence containing the biotin protein ligase (Bir-A) enzymatic biotinylation site. Heavy chain polypeptide, β2m, and peptide are then refolded. The refolded product can be isolated by any means known in the art, and then biotinylated by Bir-A. A tetramer is then produced by contacting the biotinylated product with streptavidin.

In one embodiment, the streptavidin is labeled. Suitable labels include, but are not limited to, enzymes, magnetic beads, colloidal magnetic beads, haptens, fluorochromes, metal compounds, radioactive compounds or drugs. The enzymes that can be conjugated to streptavidin include, but are not limited to, alkaline phosphatase, peroxidase, urease and β-galactosidase. The fluorochromes that can be conjugated to the streptavidin include, but are not limited to, fluorescein isothiocyanate, tetramethylrhodamine isothiocyanate, phycoerythrin, allophycocyanins and Texas Red. For additional fluorochromes that can be conjugated to streptavidin, see Haugland, Molecular Probes: Handbook of Fluorescent Probes and Research Chemicals (1992-1994). The metal compounds that can be conjugated to the streptavidin include, but are not limited to, ferritin, colloidal gold, and particularly, colloidal superparamagnetic beads. The haptens that can be conjugated to the streptavidin include, but are not limited to, biotin, digoxigenin, oxazalone, and nitrophenol. The radioactive compounds that can be conjugated to streptavidin are known to the art, and include but are not limited to technetium 99m (⁹⁹Tc), ¹²⁵I and amino acids comprising any radionuclides, including, but not limited to, ¹⁴C, ³H and ³⁵S. Generally, streptavidin labeled with a fluorochrome is utilized in the methods disclosed herein.

In one embodiment, suspension of cells including T cells that specifically recognize an Mtb polypeptide is produced, and the cells are reacted with the tetramer in suspension. In one embodiment, these reagents are used to label cells, which are then analyzed by fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS). A machine for FACS employs a plurality of color channels, low angle and obtuse light-scattering detection channels, and impedance channels, among other more sophisticated levels of detection, to separate or sort cells. Any FACS technique can be employed as long as it is not detrimental to the detection of the desired cells. (For exemplary methods of FACS see U.S. Pat. No. 5,061,620, incorporated herein by reference).

B. Skin Tests

In another aspect, this invention provides methods for using one or more of the polypeptides described above to diagnose Mycobacterium infection, and in particular tuberculosis, using a skin test. A “skin test” is any assay performed directly on a patient in which a delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction (such as induration, swelling, reddening or dermatitis) is measured following administration into the skin, such as the intradermal injection of one or more polypeptides described above. Such injection can be achieved using any suitable device sufficient to contact the polypeptide or polypeptides with dermal cells of the patient, such as a tuberculin syringe or 1 ml syringe. In several examples, the reaction is measured at least 48 hours after injection, such as between about 48 and about 72 hours after injection.

A DTH reaction is a cell-mediated immune response which is greater in subjects that have been exposed previously to the test antigen (the Mtb polypeptide, fragment thereof that binds MHC, or fusion protein thereof). The response can be measured visually, such as using a ruler. In several examples, a response that is greater than about 0.5 cm in diameter, such as greater than about 1.0 cm in diameter, is a positive response, and is indicative of Mycobacterium infection.

The Mtb polypeptides disclosed herein can be formulated for use in a skin test as pharmaceutical compositions containing a polypeptide and a physiologically acceptable carrier. These compositions typically contain one or more of the disclosed Mtb polypeptides (or a fragment thereof that binds MHC or a fusion protein thereof) in an amount ranging from about 1 μg to about 100 μg, such as from about 10 μg to about 50 μg in a volume of 0.1 ml. The carrier employed in a pharmaceutical composition can be a saline solution with appropriate preservatives, such as phenol and/or TWEEN80™.

Generally, the polypeptide employed in a skin test is of sufficient size such that it remains at the site of injection for the duration of the reaction period. In several examples, a polypeptide that is at least nine amino acids in length is sufficient. Without being bound by theory, the polypeptide is broken down by macrophages within hours of injection to allow presentation to T-cells. Such polypeptides can contain repeats of one or more of the above disclosed sequences and/or other immunogenic or non-immunogenic sequences.

Thus, the determination of the recognition of the peptide by the T cells can be measured in vivo. In several examples, the peptide is administered to the individual and then a response which indicates recognition of the peptide may be measured. In one embodiment the peptide is administered intradermally, typically in a similar manner to the Mantoux test. The peptide can be administered epidermally. The peptide is typically administered by needle, such as by injection, but can be administered by other methods such as ballistics, for example the ballistics techniques which have been used to deliver nucleic acids. Published EPC Application No. EP-A-0693119 describes techniques which can typically be used to administer the peptide. In several examples, from 0.001 to 1000 μg, for example from 0.01 to 100 μg or 0.1 to 10 μg of peptide is administered. Alternatively an agent can be administered which is capable of providing the peptides in vivo. Thus a polynucleotide capable of expressing the polypeptide can be administered. Polypeptide is expressed from the polynucleotide in vivo and recognition of the peptide in vivo may be measured. Typically from 0.001 to 1000 μg, for example from 0.01 to 100 μg or 0.1 to 10 μg of polynucleotide is administered.

C. Detection of Antibodies

Methods are disclosed herein wherein the polypeptides described above are used to diagnose Mycobacterium infection, and in particular tuberculosis. In these embodiments, methods are provided for detecting Mycobacterium infection in a biological sample, using one or more of the above polypeptides, alone or in combination. In several embodiments, multiple polypeptides are employed. The polypeptide(s) are used in an assay to determine the presence or absence of antibodies to the polypeptide(s) in a biological sample (such as, but not limited to, whole blood, sputum, serum, plasma, saliva, or cerebrospinal fluid) relative to a control. The presence of such antibodies indicates previous sensitization to mycobacterial antigens which may be indicative of Mycobacterium infection, and in particular tuberculosis.

In embodiments in which more than one polypeptide is employed, the polypeptides can be complementary, such that one component polypeptide will detect infection in samples where the infection would not be detected by another component polypeptide. Complementary polypeptides may generally be identified by using each polypeptide individually to evaluate serum samples obtained from a series of patients known to be infected with Mycobacterium. After determining which samples are correctly identified as positive with each polypeptide, combinations of two or more polypeptides may be formulated that are capable of detecting infection in most, or all, of the samples tested. Complementary polypeptides are of use to improve sensitivity of a diagnostic test. Thus, more than one of the above-described Mtb polypeptides can be included in an assay. Additional polypeptides from Mtb (those not described herein) optionally can be included in the assay.

There are a variety of assay formats that can be used to detect antibodies in a sample (see, for example, Harlow and Lane, Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (1988), which is incorporated herein by reference). In general, the presence or absence of an Mtb infection in a patient may be determined by (a) contacting a biological sample obtained from a patient with one or more Mtb polypeptides; (b) detecting in the sample the presence (or absence) of an antibody that binds to the polypeptide(s); and (c) comparing the level of antibody with a control. The control can be a standard value, such as a pre-determined cut-off value. The control can be the amount of antibodies in a subject known to be infected with Mtb, or the amount of antibodies that specifically bind the polypeptide(s) in a subject known not to be infected with Mtb.

In several embodiments, the assay involves the use of a polypeptide immobilized on a solid support. Antibodies that specifically bind the polypeptide(s) of interest bind to the solid support. The bound antibody can then be detected using a detection reagent that includes a detectable label. Suitable detection reagents include labeled antibodies that bind to the antibody/polypeptide complex. Suitable detection reagents also include second unlabeled antibodies that bind to the antibody polypeptide complex and a third antibody that specifically binds the second antibody. Suitable detection reagents also include unbound polypeptide labeled with a reporter group (such as in a semi-competitive assay).

Alternatively, a competitive assay may be utilized, in which an antibody that binds to the polypeptide of interest is labeled with a reporter group is incubated with the sample. Following incubation, the antibody is then allowed to bind to the immobilized antigen after incubation of the antigen with the sample. The extent to which components of the sample inhibit the binding of the labeled antibody to the immobilized polypeptide is indicative of the reactivity of the sample with the immobilized polypeptide.

A solid support used in an assay disclosed herein can be any solid material to which the antigen may be attached. For example, the solid support can be a test well in a microtiter plate or a nitrocellulose or other suitable membrane. Alternatively, the solid support may be a bead or disc, such as glass, fiberglass, latex or a plastic material such as polystyrene or polyvinylchloride. The support can also be a magnetic particle or a fiber optic sensor, such as those disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,359,681.

The polypeptides can be bound to the solid support using a variety of techniques. The binding of the polypeptides can be accomplished by a non-covalent association, such as adsorption, or covalent attachment, such as a direct linkage between the antigen and functional groups on the support or a linkage through a cross-linking agent.

For binding by adsorption, binding can be achieved by contacting one or more Mtb polypeptide(s) (generally in a buffer) with the solid support for a suitable amount of time. The contact time for binding is typically between about 1 hour and 1 day. In general, binding is achieved by contacting a polystyrene or polyvinylchloride solid support with an amount of the one or more Mtb polypeptide(s) ranging from about 10 ng to about 1 μg, such as about 100 ng of antigen.

Covalent attachment of the Mtb polypeptide(s) of interest to a solid support can generally be achieved by reacting the support with a bifunctional reagent that reacts with both the support and a functional group, such as a hydroxyl or amino group, on the polypeptide. For example, an Mtb polypeptide can be bound to supports having an appropriate polymer coating using benzoquinone or by condensation of an aldehyde group on the support with an amine and an active hydrogen on the polypeptide (Pierce Immunotechnology Catalog and Handbook, at A12 A13, 1991).

In certain embodiments, the assay is an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This assay can be performed by first contacting a polypeptide antigen that has been immobilized on a solid support (such as in the well of a microtiter plate) with the sample in a manner such that that antibodies present within the sample that specifically bind the polypeptide of interest bind the immobilized polypeptide. Unbound sample is then removed and a detection reagent capable of binding to the immobilized antibody-polypeptide complex is added. The amount of detection reagent that remains bound is determined using a method appropriate for the specific detection reagent. For example, the detection method can detect fluorescence or the presence of an enzymatic activity.

In some embodiments, the polypeptide is immobilized on the support; any remaining protein binding sites on the support are typically blocked. Any suitable blocking agent can be used to block the unbound protein binding sites, such as bovine serum albumin or TWEEN 20™. The immobilized polypeptide is then incubated with the sample, and the antibody is allowed to bind to the antigen. The sample can be diluted with a suitable diluent, for example a buffer such as phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) prior to incubation. In general, an appropriate contact time (incubation time) is a period of time that is sufficient to detect the presence of antibody in a Mycobacterium-infected sample. In one specific, non-limiting example, the contact time is sufficient to achieve a level of binding that is at least 95% of that achieved at equilibrium between bound and unbound antibody. The time necessary to achieve equilibrium can be determined by assaying the level of binding that occurs over a period of time. At room temperature, an incubation time of about 30 minutes is generally sufficient.

Unbound sample can then be removed by washing the solid support with an appropriate buffer, such as PBS containing 0.1% TWEEN 20™. A detection reagent can then be added to the solid support. A detection reagent can be any compound that binds to the immobilized antibody-polypeptide complex and can be detected. In several embodiments, the detection reagent contains a binding agent (such as, for example, Protein A, Protein G, immunoglobulin, lectin or free antigen) conjugated to a label. Labels of use include enzymes (such as horseradish peroxidase or alkaline phosphatase), substrates, cofactors, inhibitors, dyes, radionuclides, luminescent groups, fluorescent groups and biotin. The conjugation of a binding agent to a label can be achieved using methods known in the art; conjugated binding agents are also commercially available (such as from Zymed Laboratories, San Francisco, Calif., and Pierce, Rockford, Ill.).

The detection reagent is incubated with the immobilized antibody-polypeptide complex for an amount of time sufficient to detect the bound antibody. An appropriate amount of time may generally be determined from the manufacturer's instructions or by assaying the level of binding that occurs over a period of time. Unbound detection reagent is then removed and bound detection reagent is detected using the label. For radioactive labels, scintillation counting or autoradiographic methods can be used for detection. Spectroscopic methods may be used to detect dyes, luminescent groups and fluorescent groups used as labels. Biotin can be detected using (strept)avidin coupled to a different label, such as a radioactive label, fluorescent label or an enzymatic label. Enzymatic labels can be detected by the addition of substrate (generally for a specific period of time), followed by spectroscopic or other analysis of the reaction products.

To determine the presence or absence of anti-Mycobacterium antibodies in the sample, the signal detected from the label that bound to the solid support is generally compared to a control. In one embodiment, the control is a standard value, such as the average mean signal obtained when the immobilized antigen is incubated with samples from an uninfected patient. In general, a sample generating a signal that is two or three standard deviations above the control is considered positive for Mycobacterium infection. In another embodiment, the control value is determined using a Receiver Operator Curve, according to the method of Sackett et al., Clinical Epidemiology: A Basic Science for Clinical Medicine, Little Brown and Co., pp. 106 107 (1985). Briefly, in this embodiment, the control value is determined from a plot of pairs of true positive rates (sensitivity) and false positive rates (100% specificity) that correspond to each possible control value for the diagnostic test result. The control value on the plot that encloses the largest area is the most accurate cut-off value, and a sample generating a signal that is higher than the cut-off value determined by this method is considered positive. Alternatively, the cut-off value may be shifted to minimize the false positive rate, or to minimize the false negative rate. In general, a sample generating a signal that is higher than the cut-off value determined by this method is considered positive for tuberculosis.

In a related embodiment, the assay is performed in a rapid flow-through or strip test format, wherein the antigen is immobilized on a membrane, such as, but not limited to, nitrocellulose. In a flow-through test, antibodies within the sample bind to the immobilized polypeptide as the sample passes through the membrane. A detection reagent (for example, protein A-colloidal gold) binds to the antibody-polypeptide complex as the solution containing the detection reagent flows through the membrane. The detection of bound detection reagent can be performed as described above.

In one example of the strip test format, one end of the membrane to which the polypeptide is bound is immersed in a solution containing the sample. The sample migrates along the membrane through a region containing the detection reagent and to the area of immobilized polypeptide. Concentration of the detection reagent at the polypeptide indicates the presence of anti-Mycobacterium antibodies in the sample. Typically, the concentration of detection reagent at that site generates a pattern, such as a line, that can be read visually. The absence of such a pattern indicates a negative result. In general, the amount of polypeptide immobilized on the membrane is selected to generate a visually discernible pattern when the biological sample contains a level of antibodies that would be sufficient to generate a positive signal in an enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). In several embodiments, the amount of polypeptide immobilized on the membrane ranges from about 25 ng to about 1 μg, such as from about 50 ng to about 500 ng. Such tests can typically be performed with a very small volume of patient serum or blood.

D. Detection of Polynucleotides

Diagnostic methods include the use of polynucleotide sequences encoding one or more of the above disclosed Mtb polypeptides. Mycobacterium infection can be detected by detecting the presence, absence, or level of mRNA encoding a Mycobacterium polypeptide in a biological sample. In several examples, hybridization assays are utilized, such as Northern blot or dot blot assays. In additional examples, PCR based assays are utilized.

General methods for mRNA extraction are well known in the art and are disclosed in standard textbooks of molecular biology, including Ausubel et al., Current Protocols of Molecular Biology, John Wiley and Sons (1997). Methods for RNA extraction from paraffin embedded tissues are disclosed, for example, in Rupp and Locker, Lab Invest. 56:A67 (1987), and De Andres et al., BioTechniques 18:42-44 (1995). In particular, RNA isolation can be performed using purification kit, buffer set and protease from commercial manufacturers, such as QIAGEN®, according to the manufacturer's instructions. For example, total RNA from cells in culture (such as those obtained from a subject) can be isolated using QIAGEN® RNeasy mini-columns. Other commercially available RNA isolation kits include MASTERPURE™ Complete DNA and RNA Purification Kit (EPICENTRE®, Madison, Wis.), and Paraffin Block RNA Isolation Kit (Ambion, Inc., Austin, Tex.). Total RNA from tissue samples can be isolated using RNA Stat-60 (Tel-Test, Friendswood, Tex.). RNA prepared from a biological sample can also be isolated, for example, by cesium chloride density gradient centrifugation.

Methods for quantitating mRNA are well known in the art. In one example, the method utilizes reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Generally, the first step in gene expression profiling by RT-PCR is the reverse transcription of the RNA template into cDNA, followed by its exponential amplification in a PCR reaction. The two most commonly used reverse transcriptases are avian myeloblastosis virus reverse transcriptase (AMV-RT) and Moloney murine leukemia virus reverse transcriptase (MMLV-RT). The reverse transcription step is typically primed using specific primers, random hexamers, or oligo-dT primers, depending on the circumstances and the goal of expression profiling. For example, extracted RNA can be reverse-transcribed using a GeneAmp RNA PCR kit (Perkin Elmer, Calif., USA), following the manufacturer's instructions. The derived cDNA can then be used as a template in the subsequent PCR reaction.

Although the PCR step can use a variety of thermostable DNA-dependent DNA polymerases, it typically employs the Taq DNA polymerase, which has a 5′-3′ nuclease activity but lacks a 3′-5′ proofreading endonuclease activity. Thus, TaqMan® PCR typically utilizes the 5′-nuclease activity of Taq or Tth polymerase to hydrolyze a hybridization probe bound to its target amplicon, but any enzyme with equivalent 5′ nuclease activity can be used. Two oligonucleotide primers are used to generate an amplicon typical of a PCR reaction. A third oligonucleotide, or probe, is designed to detect nucleotide sequence located between the two PCR primers. The probe is non-extendible by Taq DNA polymerase enzyme, and is labeled with a reporter fluorescent dye and a quencher fluorescent dye. Any laser-induced emission from the reporter dye is quenched by the quenching dye when the two dyes are located close together as they are on the probe. During the amplification reaction, the Taq DNA polymerase enzyme cleaves the probe in a template-dependent manner. The resultant probe fragments disassociate in solution, and signal from the released reporter dye is free from the quenching effect of the second fluorophore. One molecule of reporter dye is liberated for each new molecule synthesized, and detection of the unquenched reporter dye provides the basis for quantitative interpretation of the data.

TAQMAN® RT-PCR can be performed using commercially available equipment, such as, for example, ABI PRISM 7700® Sequence Detection System™ (Perkin-Elmer-Applied Biosystems, Foster City, Calif., USA), or LightCycler® (Roche Applied Science, Mannheim, Germany) In one embodiment, the 5′ nuclease procedure is run on a real-time quantitative PCR device such as the ABI PRISM 7700®. Sequence Detection System®. The system includes of thermocycler, laser, charge-coupled device (CCD), camera and computer. The system amplifies samples in a 96-well format on a thermocycler. During amplification, laser-induced fluorescent signal is collected in real-time through fiber optics cables for all 96 wells, and detected at the CCD. The system includes software for running the instrument and for analyzing the data.

In some examples, 5′-Nuclease assay data are initially expressed as Cr, or the threshold cycle. As discussed above, fluorescence values are recorded during every cycle and represent the amount of product amplified to that point in the amplification reaction. The point when the fluorescent signal is first recorded as statistically significant is the threshold cycle (CO.

To minimize errors and the effect of sample-to-sample variation, RT-PCR can be performed using an internal standard. The ideal internal standard is expressed at a constant level among different tissues, and is unaffected by the experimental treatment. RNAs most frequently used to normalize patterns of gene expression are mRNAs for the housekeeping genes glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate-dehydrogenase (GAPDH), beta-actin, and 18S ribosomal RNA.

A more recent variation of the RT-PCR technique is the real time quantitative PCR, which measures PCR product accumulation through a dual-labeled fluorogenic probe (i.e., TAQMAN® probe). Real time PCR is compatible both with quantitative competitive PCR, where internal competitor for each target sequence is used for normalization, and with quantitative comparative PCR using a normalization gene contained within the sample, or a housekeeping gene for RT-PCR (see Heid et al., Genome Res. 6:986-994, 1996). Quantitative PCR is also described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,538,848, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Related probes and quantitative amplification procedures are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,716,784 and 5,723,591, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Instruments for carrying out quantitative PCR in microtiter plates are available from PE Applied Biosystems, 850 Lincoln Centre Drive, Foster City, Calif. 94404 under the trademark ABI PRISM® 7700.

The steps of a representative protocol for quantitating gene expression using fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues as the RNA source, including mRNA isolation, purification, primer extension and amplification are given in various published journal articles (see Godfrey et al., J. Mol. Diagn. 2: 84-91, 2000; Specht et al., Am. J. Pathol. 158: 419-429, 2001). Briefly, a representative process starts with cutting about 10 μm thick sections of paraffin-embedded tissue sample. The RNA is then extracted, and protein and DNA are removed. After analysis of the RNA concentration, RNA repair and/or amplification steps can be included, if necessary, and RNA is reverse transcribed using gene specific promoters followed by RT-PCR.

An alternative quantitative nucleic acid amplification procedure is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,219,727, which is incorporated herein by reference. In this procedure, the amount of a target sequence in a sample is determined by simultaneously amplifying the target sequence and an internal standard nucleic acid segment. The amount of amplified DNA from each segment is determined and compared to a standard curve to determine the amount of the target nucleic acid segment that was present in the sample prior to amplification.

In some embodiments of this method, the expression of a “housekeeping” gene or “internal control” can also be evaluated. These terms are meant to include any constitutively or globally expressed gene whose presence enables an assessment of cytokine mRNA levels. Such an assessment comprises a determination of the overall constitutive level of gene transcription and a control for variations in RNA recovery.

E. Monitoring the Progression of an Infection and/or Effectiveness of Therapy

In several embodiments, the diagnostic methods disclosed herein are used for monitoring the progression of a Mycobacterium infection. In this embodiment, assays as described above for the diagnosis of a Mycobacterium infection may be performed over time, and the change in the level of reactive polypeptide(s) evaluated. For example, the assays can be performed about every 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, or 72 hours for a specified period, such as over months or weeks, and thereafter performed as needed.

In some examples, the presence of an Mtb polypeptide, or a polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide is assessed. Generally, the Mycobacterium infection is progressing in those patients in whom the level of polypeptide (such as detected using a binding agent), the level of polynucleotide, the level of antibodies, or the level of T cells increases over time. In contrast, the Mycobacterium infection is not progressing when the level of reactive polypeptide, the level of polynucleotide, the level of antibodies, or the level of T cells either remains constant or decreases with time. In this manner, the effectiveness of a particular therapeutic regimen can be assessed.

In one embodiment, the presence of an Mtb polypeptide or polynucleotide is assessed in a subject. The subject is administered a therapeutic protocol. The presence of the Mtb polypeptide is then assessed. An increase or no change in the amount of the Mtb polypeptide (or polynucleotide) as compared to the amount of the Mtb polypeptide prior to the administration of the therapeutic protocol indicates that the therapeutic protocol in not effective, and the Mtb infection is progressing. A decrease in the amount of the Mtb polypeptide (or polynucleotide) as compared to the amount of the Mtb polypeptide (or polynucleotide) prior to the administration of the therapeutic protocol indicates that the therapeutic protocol is effective, and that the Mtb infection is not progressing.

In another embodiment, the presence of T cells, such as CD8⁺ T cells and/or CD4⁺ T cells that specifically recognize an Mtb polypeptide is assessed in a subject.

The subject is administered a therapeutic protocol. The presence of the T cells that specifically recognize the Mtb polypeptide is then assessed. A decrease or no change in the amount of CD8⁺ T cells and/or CD4⁺ T cells that specifically recognize the Mtb polypeptide as compared to the amount of the CD8⁺ T cells and/or CD4⁺ T cells, respectively, that specifically recognize the Mtb polypeptide prior to the administration of the therapeutic protocol indicates that the therapeutic protocol is not effective. An increase in the amount of the CD8⁺ T cells and/or CD4⁺ T cells that specifically recognize the Mtb polypeptide as compared to the amount of the CD8⁺ T cells and/or CD4⁺ T cells that specifically recognize the Mtb polypeptide prior to the administration of the therapeutic protocol indicates that the therapeutic protocol is effective.

It should be noted that for any of the above-described assays, to improve sensitivity, multiple Mycobacterium markers may be assayed within a given sample. It will be apparent that the assays disclosed herein can be used in combination.

Thus, sets of Mycobacterium polypeptides (or polynucleotides), and combinations of assays can be for optimal sensitivity and specificity.

Numerous other assay protocols exist that are suitable for use with the polypeptides of the present invention. The above descriptions are intended to be exemplary only.

The disclosure is illustrated by the following non-limiting Examples.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Selection of Antigens

A peptide library encompassing 39,499 Mtb peptides was screened for antigens and/or epitopes that were both strongly and commonly recognized in individuals with Mtb infection in Portland, Oreg. This peptide library represents 389 genes, representing roughly 10% of the Mtb genome. The peptides are 15 mers overlapping by 11 amino acids for each gene product. 50 nmol of each peptide was synthesized individually and then pooled into 777 pools of 50 peptides in a 96 well format (nine plates). Five blank wells and one well of an irrelevant peptide pool, SIV gag, were included on each of the nine plates.

CD8⁺ T cells from donors were screened against the peptide library by IFN-γ ELISPOT. The IFN-γ ELISPOT assay was performed as described previously (Beckman et al., J. Immunol. 157:2795-2803, 1996). For determination of ex vivo frequencies of CD8⁺ T cells responding to Mtb infection or Mtb antigens, CD8⁺ T-cells were positively selected from peripheral blood mononuclear cells using magnetic beads (Miltenyi Biotec, Auburn Calif.) as a source of responder T cells and tested for their response to autologous DC. Each plate of the genomic peptide library was screened in duplicate, for a total of 18 ELISPOT plates per screen. CD8+ T cells were prepared from cryopreserved PBMC by CD8 selection using magnetic bead separations. Resulting cell populations contained >99% CD8+ T cells. CD8+ T cells (250,000 cells/well), autologous DCs (20,000 cells/well), and IL-2 (0.5 ng/ml) were added to peptide (final 5 μg/ml, individual peptides) in the ELISPOT plates. Five media control wells were included on each plate. Spots are enumerated using with the AID EliSpot Reader System. For each plate, the mean of these five wells was subtracted from each well of that plate to normalize between plates. Each technical replicate on each plate was then scored. A well was scored positive if the spot forming units (SFU), less the mean of the media wells, was greater than or equal to ten and the SFU was greater than or equal to twice the mean of the media. Twenty donors were tested, including fifteen LTBI (6 Caucasian, 4 African American, 5 SE Asian) and five donors with active TB.

Two criteria were used to select the peptide pools. First, peptide pools had to be in the top 5% of a donor's response. Second, the peptide pool had to be recognized by three or more donors. The peptide pools selected by this method were identical independent of the order these criteria were applied. A well was considered positive in the donor screen if only one technical replicate was statistically positive. However, since there is more confidence in a well where both technical replicates are positive, the selected wells were compared if the average spot forming units (SFU) for wells with two positive technical replicates was weighted by 200% to the selected wells if the average SFU was not weighted. 32 wells were selected if there was no weighting given to the technical replicates and 35 wells were selected if the weighting was applied. However, 19 wells were selected by both weighting and not weighting the average SFU and these were chosen for further analysis (Table 2).

TABLE 2 Selected antigens and epitopes for clinical validation studies Antigen Number  Rv Numbers Gene Names 1 Rv3641c (33)¹ fic 2 Rv3136 (46):Rv3135 (4) PPE51:PPE50 3 Rv0383c (30):Rv0394c (20) Rv0383c:Rv0394c 4 Rv1184c (20) Rv1184c 5 Rv3514 (47):Rv3532 (3) PE_PGRS57:PPE61 6 Rv3558 (44):Rv3539 (6) PPE64:PPE63 7 Rv1979c (50) Rv1979c 8 Rv1980c (28):Rv1984c (22) mpt64:cfp21 9 Rv3347c (50) PPE55 10 Rv0151c (50) PE1 11 Rv1997 (50) ctpF 12 Rv1997 (50) ctpF 13 Rv0159c (50) PE3 14 Rv1997 (50) ctpF 15 Rv2711 (37):Rv1404 (13) ideR:Rv1404 16 Rv1706c (50) PPE23 17 Rv2041c (50) Rv2041c 18 Rv2041c (43):Rv2093c (7) Rv2041c:tatC 19 Rv1039c (50) PPE15 ¹Number of peptides from each gene shown in parentheses

Example 2 Screening of Selected Antigens

The antigens identified in Example 1 were screened in a CD8 ELISPOT assay against latent and active TB donors from Uganda. ELISPOT plates were read using the AID ELISPOT reader and output was exported into excel files. Data were imported into SAS® version 9.1 (SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, N.C.) and analyzed. A categorical variable for a positive ELISPOT was created in SAS®. For a positive response to the antigen, the mean of the antigen containing wells must be greater than the background wells by two standard deviations. If this was true, the background was subtracted and this difference must then be greater than 10 spots. Similarly, a continuous ELISPOT variable was created for each antigen detailing the spot forming units remaining if the antigen met the categorical criteria above. The results were graphed by proportion of positive responses stratified by active or latent TB along with the corresponding spot forming unit (FIG. 1A and B).

Five antigens were selected for the validation stage. Several factors were considered in the selection, including those antigens that had a suggestion of disease specificity, as well as antigens with a broad and strong response. These antigens included PPE50:51, PE3, CtpF, PPE15, and EsxJ. Fifty-six latent and 52 active TB individuals were studied in the validation phase. Twenty-one individuals (19.2%) responded to all five antigens at the predefined cut-off, whereas 10 individuals (9%) responded to four of the antigens. Forty individuals (36%) responded to up to three antigens and 35% did not respond to any of the five antigens selected. Although some disease specificity was noted in the screening stage, especially as it applied to PPE50:51, this was not apparent in the validation stage.

The magnitude of the response was studied as well. Using Poisson modeling, individuals with latent disease had a significantly greater spot count than those with active disease for 4 antigens (PPE50:51, cTPF, PPE15, EsXJ) however the difference was not clinically meaningful (FIG. 2).

Example 3 Additional Antigens

Additional antigens were selected using the methods described in Example 1. The additional antigens are provided in Table 3.

The additional identified antigens were screened in a CD8 ELISPOT assay (as described in Examples 1 and 2) against latent and active TB donors from Uganda. The results were graphed by the corresponding spot forming unit (FIG. 3).

TABLE 3 Additional antigens and epitopes for clinical validation studies Rv_Numbers (# peptides in pool) Gene_Names Rv0284(17):Rv0288(11) Rv0284:esxH Rv0917(31) betP Rv1243c(50) PE_PGRS23 Rv3345c(100) PE_PGRS50 Rv3163c(41):Rv3194c(9) Rv3163c:Rv3194c Rv0977(50) PE_PGRS16 Rv0152c(40):Rv0151c(10) PE2:PE1 Rv1917c(50) PPE34 Rv2040c(37):Rv2025c(13) Rv2040c:Rv2025c Rv2356c(50) PPE40 Rv3159c(50) PPE53 Rv1172c(32):Rv1195(18) PE12:PE13 Rv1348(35):Rv1343c(15) Rv1348:lprD Rv3873(50) PPE68

Example 4 Identification of Peptide-Specific T Cell Clones

Peptide-specific T cell clones were isolated from individuals with LTBI or active TB, using peptide pulsed DCs as APCs and limiting dilution cloning methodology. Briefly, CD8+ T cells were isolated from PBMCs using positive selection using CD8 antibody-coated magnetic beads per the manufacturer's instructions (Miltenyi Biotec, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany) T cells were seeded at various concentrations in the presence of a 2×10⁴-irradiated autologous peptide pulsed DC, 1×10⁵ irradiated autologous PBMC, and rIL-2 (5 ng/ml) in cell culture media consisting of 200 μl of RPMI 1640 supplemented with 10% human sera. Wells exhibiting growth between 10-14 days were assessed for peptide specificity using ELISPOT and peptide pulsed DCs as a source of APCs. T cells retaining peptide specificity were further phenotyped for αβ T cell receptor expression and CD8 expression by FACS.

Using the 15 mer Rv3136₁₃₇₋₁₅₁, T cell clones were generated to the peptide using the methods described. Having derived an antigen-specific CD8⁺ T cell clone, the minimal epitope was determined. The minimal epitope was defined as the epitope which allowed for T cell recognition at the lowest concentration of peptide. Each 9-mer, 10-mer, and 11-mer peptide within the 15-mer was tested over a broad range of peptide concentrations, and by definition, the peptide eliciting a response at the lowest peptide concentration is the minimal epitope. Peptides including amino acids 139-149 of Rv3136 (SEQ ID NO: 2) allowed for T cell recognition at the lowest concentrations (FIG. 4), with amino acids 141-49 eliciting a response at the lowest concentration of all tested peptides.

Example 5 Animal Models

In tuberculosis research, mouse and guinea pig models have been used extensively to model various aspects of the disease.

A. Mouse Model:

Mice can be infected by a variety of routes, including intravenous, intraperitoneal and tracheal. One route is aerosolization of the infectious organism for respiratory infection. The mice are exposed to the aerosol in a chamber (wither whole body or nose only infection). The dose of invention can be varied by manipulating the concentration of Mtb in the nebulizer or time of exposure. A low dose infection, such as about 50 colony forming units (CFU) via aerosol, results in a slow and steady increase in bacterial numbers in the lungs, generally reaching a peak in four weeks, which coincides with the peak number of T cells in the lungs. The initial period is considered the acute stage of infection. Following infection, there is a dissemination of bacteria to the mediastinal lymph nodes. T cell priming is generally detectable between two and three weeks. After about four weeks the bacterial numbers stabilize, and there is a slow progressive pathologic response. This system is of use for modeling active infection. Thus, the above-described polypeptides, or polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides, can be administered prior to infection. The ability of the Mtb polypeptides (or polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides) to prevent infection is then assessed. Alternatively, the mice are administered Mtb, and the ability of the Mtb polypeptide (or polynucleotide encoding these polypeptides) to treat the Mtb infection is monitored. The effectiveness of the Mtb polypeptides (or polynucleotides) can be monitored by measuring the T cell response, such as the number of CD8⁺ or CD4⁺ T cells, and/or measuring the bacterial numbers, and/or evaluating the pathology.

Exemplary protocols are provided below (see also Repique et al., Infec. Immun. 70: 3318-3323, 2002, incorporated herein by reference for an additional protocol).

1. Short Term Mouse Model:

C57BL/6 mice are vaccinated with a composition including one or more Mtb polypeptide, or a polynucleotide encoding these one or more polypeptides according to the appropriate protocol and then rested for 4 to 6 weeks Immunized mice are infected with a low dose aerosol (50-100 CFU) of virulent M. tuberculosis and protection is evaluated by assessing the number of viable bacilli 30 days post challenge.

Viable counts are performed on the lung and spleen of mice by homogenizing the organs and plating serial 10-fold dilutions on 7H11 agar plates. Plates are incubated for up to 21 days and the number of colony forming units per organ determined

BCG vaccinated mice have approximately 1 Log₁₀ protection in their lung and spleen when compared to PBS-treated mice.

B. Guinea Pig Models:

1. Short Term Guinea Pig Model

Out-bred Hartley guinea pigs are vaccinated with a composition including one or more Mtb polypeptide, or a polynucleotide encoding these one or more polypeptides, and then rested for 8 to 10 weeks Immunized guinea pigs are infected with a low dose aerosol (10-30 CFU) of virulent M. tuberculosis and protection is evaluated by assessing the number of viable bacilli 30 days post challenge.

Viable counts are performed on the lung and spleen of guinea pigs by homogenizing the organs and plating serial 10-fold dilutions on 7H11 agar plates. Plates are incubated for up to 21 days and the number of colony forming units per organ determined Lung and spleen segments are also taken for histological analyses.

BCG vaccinated guinea pigs have approximately 2-3 Log₁₀ protection in their lung and spleen when compared to PBS-treated guinea pigs. In addition, BCG vaccinated guinea pigs have well defined granulomas when compared to unvaccinated animals.

2. Long Term Guinea Pig Model

The guinea pig model is similar to the mouse model, but the experiments are open-ended survival type and can last for as long as 2 years. Guinea pigs develop “classical” granulomas similar to humans with active TB, and as lung tissue necrosis progresses, they begin to lose weight and die of TB similar to humans. The number of colony forming units in the lungs and spleen can be assessed. Histological examination can also be performed to determine the degree of lung involvement and tissue destruction. After low-dose aerosol exposure in the guinea pig the number of organisms increases progressively during the first three weeks and then plateaus into a chronic state. During the later stages of infection there is increased bacterial load in the lung and this is associated with a worsening pathological condition. Without treatment, there is a concomitant rise in both CD4 and CD8 T cells in the lungs of infected guinea pigs.

Out-bred Hartley guinea pigs are vaccinated with the experimental vaccine (such as a composition including one or more Mtb polypeptide, or a polynucleotide encoding these one or more polypeptides) according to the appropriate protocol and then rested for 8 to 10 weeks Immunized guinea pigs are then infected with a low dose aerosol (10-30 CFU) of virulent M. tuberculosis. Guinea pigs are weighed weekly and monitored daily for signs of disease (such as increased respiration and failure to thrive). Unvaccinated guinea pigs succumb to infection from 20 to 25 weeks post challenge, while BCG vaccinated guinea pigs survive for 50 to 55 weeks post challenge.

At necropsy, the lung and spleen are assessed for the number of CFU and the extent of pathology. The relative protection of the experimental composition is compared to BCG vaccinated animals.

Example 6 Detection of Mtb in a Subject

This example describes exemplary methods that can be used to detect presence Mtb in a subject. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that methods that deviate from these specific methods can also be used to successfully detect Mtb in a sample. In some examples, detecting Mtb diagnoses the subject as having tuberculosis or at risk of developing tuberculosis.

Clinical samples are obtained from a subject (such as a subject suspected of being infected with Mtb or at risk of being infected with Mtb), such as a blood sample, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, sputum, saliva, or cerebrospinal fluid. In some examples, T cells are isolated from the sample by routine methods. In other examples, nucleic acids are extracted from the sample using routine methods (for example using a commercial kit).

In one example, a sample including T cells from a subject are contacted with a disclosed Mtb polypeptide (such as a polypeptide of SEQ ID NOs: 1-18 or a fragment thereof), such as about 0.5 μg to 50 μg/ml polypeptide for about 4 to 24 hours. The T cells are tested to determine whether the polypeptide is recognized by the T cells, for example by measuring binding of the peptide to the T cells (for example, using FACS, detecting T cell activation, or cytokine secretion).

In another example, a disclosed Mtb polypeptide is detected in a subject utilizing an enzyme immunoassay such as IFA, ELISA or immunoblotting. An exemplary ELISA method effective for the detection of Mtb antibodies can, for example, be as follows: 1) bind a Mtb polypeptide (such as a polypeptide of SEQ ID NOs: 1-18, or a fragment thereof) to a substrate; 2) contact the bound polypeptide with a fluid or tissue sample from the subject; 3) contact the above with a secondary antibody bound to a detectable moiety which is reactive with the bound antibody (for example, horseradish peroxidase enzyme or alkaline phosphatase enzyme); 4) contact the above with the substrate for the enzyme; 5) contact the above with a color reagent; and 6) observe/measure color change or development. In further examples, a sample from the subject is contacted with an antibody that specifically binds one or more of the disclosed Mtb polypeptides. Detection of binding of the antibody to a polypeptide in the sample (for example, utilizing a sandwich ELISA) indicates the presence of the Mtb polypeptide in the sample from the subject.

In another example, RT-PCR is performed in a reaction including a reaction mix (e.g., buffers, MgCl₂, dNTPs, and DNA polymerase), sample RNA, and probes and primers specific for one or more Mtb polynucleotide disclosed herein.

In some examples, detection of Mtb (such as Mtb antibodies, polypeptides, polynucleotides, or T cells that specifically react with a disclosed Mtb polypeptide) in a sample from a subject indicates that the subject is infected with Mtb or has or is at risk of developing tuberculosis. In further examples, a therapy is selected for a subject diagnosed with Mtb infection, for example, antibiotic therapy.

In other examples, a disclosed Mtb polypeptide is administered to an individual intradermally, typically in a similar manner to the Mantoux test. The peptide is typically administered by needle, such as by injection, but can be administered by other methods such as ballistics, for example the ballistics techniques which have been used to deliver nucleic acids. In several examples, from 0.001 to 1000 μg, for example from 0.01 to 100 μg or 0.1 to 10 μg of peptide is administered. A reaction (such as a delayed type hypersensitivity reaction) is measured at least 48 hours after injection, such as between about 48 and about 72 hours after injection. The response can be measured visually, such as using a ruler. In several examples, a response that is greater than about 0.5 cm in diameter, such as greater than about 1.0 cm in diameter, is a positive response, and is indicative of Mycobacterium infection.

It will be apparent that the precise details of the methods or compositions described may be varied or modified without departing from the spirit of the described invention. We claim all such modifications and variations that fall within the scope and spirit of the claims below. 

1. A method for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a subject, comprising contacting a biological sample from the subject comprising T cells ex vivo with one or more Mycobacterium polypeptides, and an antigen presenting cell presenting the one or more Mycobacterium polypeptides wherein the one or more Mycobacterium polypeptides (a) the amino acid sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO: 6; or (b) at least nine to twenty consecutive amino acids of at least one of the amino acid sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO: 6, wherein the nine to twenty consecutive amino acids specifically bind major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I; and determining if the T cells specifically recognize the Mycobacterium polypeptide, wherein the presence of T cells that specifically recognize the Mycobacterium polypeptide detects Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the subject.
 2. (canceled)
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the T cells are CD8⁺ T cells.
 4. The method of claim 3, in which determining if the CD8⁺ T cells specifically recognize the Mycobacterium polypeptide is determined by measuring secretion of a cytokine from the CD8⁺ T cells.
 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the cytokine is interferon (IFN)-γ.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein measuring secretion of IFN-γ is determined using an antibody that specifically binds IFN-γ.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the biological sample is blood, isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells, or isolated mononuclear cells
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the T cells are cultured in vitro with the Mycobacterium polypeptide.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the polypeptide is administered to the subject.
 10. A method of detecting a Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in a subject, comprising detecting the presence of a Mycobacterium polypeptide or a polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide in a sample from the subject, wherein the Mycobacterium polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence set forth SEQ ID NO:
 6. 11. (canceled)
 12. The method of claim 10, comprising determining the presence of the Mycobacterium polypeptide.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein determining the presence of the Mycobacterium polypeptide comprises the use of an antibody that specifically binds the Mycobacterium polypeptide.
 14. The method of claim 10, comprising determining the presence of the Mycobacterium polynucleotide.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein determining the presence of the Mycobacterium polypeptide comprises the use of polymerase chain reaction.
 16. The method of claim 10, wherein the biological sample is blood, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, sputum, a lung biopsy, a lymph node biopsy, saliva, cerebral spinal fluid or isolated I cells.
 17. A method of detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a subject, comprising; administering to the subject an effective amount of a Mycobacterium polypeptide into the skin of the subject, wherein the Mycobacterium polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence set forth as (a) the amino acid sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO: 6; or (b) at least nine to twenty consecutive amino acids of the amino acid sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO: 6, wherein the nine to twenty consecutive amino acids specifically bind major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I; and detecting the presence of CD8⁺ T cells that specifically recognize the Mycobacterium polypeptide in the subject.
 18. (canceled)
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein detecting the presence of CD8⁺ T cells comprises detecting the presence of CD8⁺ T cells in vivo.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the detecting the presence of CD8⁺ T cells comprises detecting a delayed type hypersensitivity reaction.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the Mycobacterium polypeptide is administered intradermally to the subject, and wherein the delayed type hypersensitivity reaction is measure by measuring redness, swelling or induration of the skin.
 22. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more Mycobacterium polypeptides comprises the amino acid sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO:
 6. 23. The method of claim 17, wherein the one or more Mycobacterium polypeptides comprises the amino acid sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO:
 6. 